When putting your house on the real estate market, you have to be prepared for showings at almost all moments. Not only may your agent arrange open houses, but interested buyers might also stop by throughout the week. While thorough cleaning is an effective start, there is more that you can do to make the space attractive to potential buyers, explored in the guide below. 

Do:

Remove clutter.

If you’ve outgrown your home, you might have clothes that barely fit in the closet or extra furniture in the living room. However, the sight of these pieces can make the space feel more cramped than it is. Consider boxing up some of these excess items and placing them in a storage unit. In addition to opening rooms up, this will mean less work for you when it is time to move.

Assign tasks.

Life is messy. If you are actively sleeping, showering, and cooking at home, it can be difficult to keep it pristine. Therefore, give each family member a task to complete once the call comes in that a showing is imminent. Kids can be responsible for making their own beds or taking out the trash, while you can focus on giving the bathroom a wipe-down.

Don’t:

Make the space too personal.

While you may love your artistic flairs throughout the home, some buyers will inevitably not share your preferences. Therefore, real estate agents recommend making everything as neutral as possible. Consider painting some walls beige or white. Pack up knickknacks, family photos, and religious items that might shatter the illusion for visitors that they are walking into their own soon-to-be-home.

Leave pets at home.

During a showing, it’s often better if the family is away so that the prospective buyer can explore the place without feeling watched or judged. If you have a pet, especially a dog, make arrangements for them as well. Even friendly animals who are used to being kenneled might react badly to strangers in the house—and some people are just put off by them. Therefore, see if they can go over and play with the neighbor’s dogs or take them for a trip to the park.

If you’re looking to sell your home, SWE Homes in Houston, TX, is here to help. Serving clients throughout Texas and Georgia, these real estate agents can help you market your property to locals, including offering tips for staging. Need a new home to move into? They also have hundreds of real estate listings on their website and will be happy to show you around. Give them a call at (713) 413-1000 with questions.