Show Your Home

Step 7: Open houses and private showings to buyers

Making Every Showing Count

Showings are where marketing meets reality. This is your opportunity to convert interested buyers into offers. The average home receives 8-12 showings before selling, so each one matters. Create an environment that helps buyers envision themselves living in your home.

73%
of buyers make decisions within 20 minutes of entering
15 mins
average time buyers spend in each home
3-5
homes buyers typically view before making offer

Pre-Showing Preparation

Consistent preparation ensures your home always shows at its best, regardless of short notice.

Daily Maintenance (5 minutes)

Make All Beds

Hotel-style with decorative pillows and throws

Clear Countertops

Kitchen and bathroom surfaces completely clean

Quick Tidy

Put away personal items, fluff pillows

Fresh Towels

Clean, fluffy towels in all bathrooms

Before Each Showing (15 minutes)

Turn On All Lights

Every room, closet, and exterior lighting

Open Curtains & Blinds

Maximize natural light throughout

Set Comfortable Temperature

72-74°F regardless of outside weather

Add Fresh Scents

Light candles, fresh flowers, or baked cookies

Play Soft Music

Low-volume instrumental or nature sounds

Secure Valuables

Lock away jewelry, medications, documents

Private Showings vs. Open Houses

Both showing types serve different purposes in your marketing strategy.

Private Showings

Advantages:
  • Qualified, pre-approved buyers
  • Personalized attention from agent
  • Detailed feedback opportunity
  • Higher conversion to offers
  • Flexible scheduling
Best Practices:
  • Require 2-hour advance notice
  • Confirm buyer pre-approval
  • Leave during showing
  • Follow up within 24 hours

Open Houses

Advantages:
  • Maximum exposure in short time
  • Attracts curious neighbors
  • Creates urgency and competition
  • Efficient for agent time
  • Weekend convenience for buyers
Best Practices:
  • Hold 2-4 PM on Sundays
  • Advertise heavily online
  • Prepare information packets
  • Collect visitor contact info

Creating Emotional Connection

Help buyers fall in love with your home by engaging their senses and imagination.

👁️ Visual Appeal

Lighting: Bright, warm lighting in every room makes spaces feel larger and more inviting
Color: Fresh flowers and greenery add life and color throughout the home
Space: Remove 1/3 of furniture to make rooms appear larger
Views: Open all curtains and clean windows to showcase natural light

👃 Scent & Sound

Pleasant Aromas: Vanilla candles, fresh bread, or light floral scents
Eliminate Odors: Pet, cooking, and smoking smells are instant turn-offs
Background Music: Soft instrumental music creates a welcoming atmosphere
Natural Sounds: Open windows to let in birds chirping or gentle breezes

🤚 Touch & Comfort

Temperature: Comfortable 72-74°F makes buyers want to linger
Textures: Soft throws, plush towels, and quality fabrics invite touch
Cleanliness: Spotless surfaces show pride of ownership
Functionality: Demonstrate that all lights, faucets, and features work

Handling Buyer Feedback

Feedback is valuable market research that can help you adjust your strategy.

Safety & Security During Showings

Protect your home and belongings while accommodating buyer visits.

Before Showings

Verify Agent Credentials: Confirm showing agent license and brokerage
Require Pre-approval: Ensure buyers are qualified before showing
Secure Valuables: Lock away jewelry, cash, medications, documents
Remove Personal Info: Hide mail, bills, and identifying documents

During Showings

Leave the Home: Give buyers privacy to discuss freely
Secure Pets: Remove or safely contain all animals
Monitor Remotely: Use security cameras if available
Set Time Limits: Reasonable 30-45 minute showing windows

After Showings

Walk Through: Check that all doors and windows are locked
Inventory Check: Ensure nothing is missing or damaged
Reset Staging: Return home to showing-ready condition
Follow Up: Get feedback from showing agent within 24 hours

Ready for the Next Step?

With successful showings generating interest, you'll soon receive offers that need careful evaluation and skilled negotiation to secure the best terms.