- What should I do with my pets and children during a last-minute home showing?
- Children and pets are distracting during showings, so it's best to send them outside while you tidy up, then take them with you or kennel your pets before the showing begins. This allows buyers to focus on the home itself.
- Should I stay home during a showing, even if the agent says it's okay?
- No—you should leave the home entirely, even if the showing agent insists it's fine for you to stay. Buyers need to emotionally connect with the space as their potential new home, which is difficult when current owners are present. At minimum, go to the backyard; better yet, run errands or go to the store.
- How can I create a welcoming smell in my home for a last-minute showing?
- Heat a frozen pastry slowly in the oven, or heat a pan on the stove and drop in a few drops of vanilla. These simple scents create an inviting atmosphere without being overwhelming.
- What's the fastest way to declutter before an urgent home showing?
- Walk around with a laundry basket and fill it with clutter as you go, then stow the basket in your trunk rather than hiding items in closets. This clears visible surfaces quickly and keeps clutter out of sight without taking up valuable closet space that buyers want to assess.
