When selling your home, you may find yourself in a situation where a potential buyer shows up on short notice. In these cases, being prepared to showcase your home in just a few minutes is essential. Welcome to the “Be Buyer Ready” 9-minute drill. This guide will help you navigate those last-minute showings with quick, actionable tips to make sure your home looks its best, even when time is limited.
1. Turn on All the Lights
First impressions matter, and lighting is a huge factor in creating a welcoming environment. When you get that last-minute call, your first step should be to turn on every light in the house. Bright spaces feel more open, inviting, and clean, making your home instantly more appealing. Even if it’s during the day, turning on interior lights enhances the warmth and highlights key features of your home. Don’t forget about exterior lights too, especially if the showing happens in the evening. A well-lit home feels safe and inviting.
2. Wipe Down Surfaces Quickly
A quick wipe down of surfaces can go a long way in making your home feel clean and cared for. Focus on areas that are most noticeable to buyers like kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and living room furniture. Keep cleaning wipes or a microfiber cloth handy so you can easily remove dust, smudges, and fingerprints. This simple step will instantly refresh the space and leave a good impression, even if you don’t have time for a full cleaning.
3. Hide the Clutter
Clutter is one of the quickest ways to turn off potential buyers. In a last-minute rush, you may not have time to properly put everything away, but you can still hide the clutter in a pinch. The dryer is a perfect temporary hiding spot for things like laundry, stray toys, or papers. Another spot to consider is under the bed. Just make sure that whatever you stash away can’t be easily seen by buyers. By clearing countertops, tables, and floors of unnecessary items, you create a cleaner, more spacious feel.
4. Tidy Up the Kids’ and Pets’ Things
If you have children or pets, their belongings can add to the clutter. Take a minute to gather up toys, pet beds, and food dishes. This helps depersonalize the space and keeps the focus on the home itself. Potential buyers want to envision themselves in your home, and seeing less of your personal items makes it easier for them to imagine the space as their own.
5. Take the Pets with You
During a showing, it’s best to take your pets with you. Not all buyers are comfortable with animals, and pets can be a distraction during the viewing. Plus, you want to avoid any unexpected interactions or pet odors that might make a negative impression. As part of your 9-minute drill, gather up your dog, cat, or other pets, and take them with you when you leave the house. This not only makes the showing more pleasant for the buyer, but also ensures the safety of your pets.
6. Turn on Music
A little background music can help create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere during the showing. Soft, instrumental music is ideal—something that adds to the ambiance without being too distracting. Make sure the volume is low enough to let buyers focus on the home, but just high enough to create a welcoming environment. Music can help mask any background noise and enhance the overall vibe of your home.
7. Make a Quick Exit
Once you’ve tidied up, hidden clutter, and turned on the lights and music, it’s time to make your exit. Buyers need space to explore the home without feeling like they’re intruding. Grab your things, take your pets, and leave the house quickly. You can use this time to run errands or take a quick walk around the neighborhood. The key is to give buyers uninterrupted time to look around and imagine themselves living in the space.
With these quick tips, you can ensure that your home is ready for a last-minute showing, even if you only have nine minutes to prepare. By focusing on lighting, cleanliness, and minimizing distractions, you’ll leave buyers with a positive impression that could make all the difference.
