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Your home is on the market, but you still live there. Now your agent called to see if a potential buyer can look at it in an hour. What do you do?
You Don’t Need to Panic
Instead of holding your head in despair, grab some tools, and clean the most visible areas of your home.
- Sweep the front porch, steps and any cobwebs lurking in the corners. This is the first place your buyer sees, so it gives them an impression they’ll carry into the rest of the house.
- While you’re at it, use the broom to give the front door a once over. If you have a cloth handy, use that too. If your door is glass, remove smudges from the kids and dogs. You can use vinegar and water, glass cleaner or simply warm water.
- Grab a laundry basket and clear clutter from your entryway. Grab stray boots and shoes, hats and coats, school bags and anything else that gets dropped there. Put the basket in your car. You can organize it where it belongs later. Pick up any mail too and stick it in a drawer.
- Sweep your kitchen floor and run a damp mop over it in the high traffic areas. To simplify this for the future, invest in a mop with a bottle of cleaner attached — no need for buckets.
- Light a candle or diffuse essential oils in the kitchen to remove any odors from last night’s dinner.
- Replace all the towels in the kitchen and baths. Set aside towels just for this purpose so that you always have a clean, matching set.
- While you’re in the bathrooms, run a damp paper towel over the faucets and fixtures, wipe out the sink, and run a quick brush around the waterline of the toilet, then flush it.
- Grab all the trash from your trash cans in the kitchen, bathroom, office, bedrooms, and laundry room. If you have a container in your garage, put it in there. Otherwise, throw it in a nearby dumpster(law permitting). Just because you can’t smell it doesn’t mean your visitor won’t notice.
- If you have time, take a feather duster to dark, visible surfaces, light fixtures and art frames.
Finally, grab your family and the pets, hop in the car and head to the park. You don’t want to be near your home while the agent is showing it to buyers. When you’re nearby, the folks visiting might not feel free to ask the questions they need to. When they’ve gone, head back home and reach out to your agent for feedback.
About the Author
Sheida Rezazadeh
Our Mission Statement:
Our philosophy is simple: clients come first. We pledge to be in constant communication with our clients, keeping them fully informed throughout the entire buying or selling process. We believe that if you’re not left with an amazing experience, we haven’t done our job. We don’t measure success through achievements or awards, but through the satisfaction of our clients.
About Me:
With over two decades of experience in the real estate industry, I derive immense satisfaction from assisting clients in realizing their real estate aspirations. My journey in this field commenced with personal investments and the management of multiple properties, providing invaluable insights into the dynamics of the real estate market. Over the years, I have refined my negotiation skills, accumulating extensive knowledge and experience that empower me to deliver exceptional service to my clients.
As a seasoned professional, I specialize in residential, luxury, multi-unit, and commercial real estate. I possess the acumen to secure top dollar for sellers and the best possible prices for buyers. Recognizing the significance of creating a home sanctuary as a mother and wife, I understand the security that real estate investments can bring. It's not just a transaction; it's a life-changing experience, and I am dedicated to guiding my clients through every step of the process.
Leading a team of highly-seasoned real estate professionals, we are committed to providing personalized service. We take immense pride in building enduring relationships with our clients and tirelessly work on their behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals. Our team comprises the best and brightest in the industry, consistently striving to lead in research, innovation, and consumer education.
As a trusted resource in the complex world of real estate, I am devoted to providing the best and most timely information to my clients. My team and I stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the industry, utilizing this knowledge to help our clients make informed decisions. It's not just about buying or selling a home; it's about building a better future for you and your family, and I am honored to be a part of that journey.