Go Spokane Real Estate

While Your House is on the Market

All the things you did to get your house ready to put on the market, you need to maintain while your house is on the market. Having a house on the market is not easy or fun. Your home needs to be kept in show condition all the time.

Maintain your yard; cut grass and trim edges regularly as well as water fertilize and weed. Keep the driveway clean and walkways swept. Toys and clutter need to be kept picked up from yard. If you have pets, pick up after them.

The inside of the house needs to be kept cleaned dusted and vacuumed at all times. Bedrooms need to be kept up with beds made neatly and no laundry on the floor. Bathrooms should have clean tubs, showers, sinks, toilets, and fresh towels. The kitchen is very important. Kitchens sell houses. Counters should be wiped down and there should be no dirty dishes.

When a Showing is Scheduled

Imagine yourself as a buyer and go through your house to make last minute corrections. Remove fingerprints from mirrors, glass, and other fixtures. Make sure all laundry and toys are picked up.

Interior doors should be open. All lights need to be turned on and window shades open. If you have a fireplace you should consider having it lit. If you have a hot tub, you might want to have it on.

Fresh flowers and fruit bowls are nice touches. Small touches make a difference. It's important that the buyer can imagine themselves in your home. A few small changes can go a long way towards creating that atmosphere.

Soft background music can be a good thing, especially if there is traffic noise outside.

Smells like fresh baked bread or baked cookies can be good, but watch out for strong smells. Many people don't like strong smells, and you don't want it to look like you are trying to cover something up.

Probably the most important thing is get out of the house. When buyers view your home, they'll be more comfortable and spend more time if you're not there. If possible, take your pets with you. This might be a good time to take your dog for a nice walk.

Don't get discouraged if your home doesn't sell after 3 showings. Experienced buyers will likely look at 8 or more homes before buying. A first time home buyer may look at 15 or even more. It is not likely that the first person that sees your house will buy it.