When you prepare your home for a showing the thought you put into everything can greatly increase its appeal to potential buyers. Here are ten things you can do to make your home more appealing:

• Deep Clean: Your home should be immaculately clean for showings. This includes dusting, vacuuming, cleaning countertops, polishing appliances, scrubbing bathrooms, and washing windows. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service if needed.

• Declutter: A cluttered home can look smaller and less appealing. Clear off countertops, remove unnecessary furniture, and organize closets and cabinets. Buyers often look inside these, and seeing them well-organized can create the impression of ample storage space.

• Depersonalize: Potential buyers need to be able to envision themselves living in your home. Remove personal items like family photos, refrigerator decorations, and unique artwork. This can help make the space feel more neutral and welcoming to a broad range of buyers.

• Fix Minor Repairs: Fix any minor damages like leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, or chipped paint. These might seem like small issues, but they can give potential buyers the impression that the home hasn’t been well-maintained.

• Paint Walls in Neutral Tones: Bright or unusual colors can be off-putting to some buyers. Consider painting your walls in neutral tones to appeal to a broader audience. This also helps rooms feel brighter and more spacious.

• Boost Curb Appeal: First impressions are crucial. Make sure your home’s exterior is attractive and well-maintained. This can include power washing your house and walkways, mowing the lawn, trimming shrubs, or adding a fresh layer of mulch to garden beds.

• Stage the Home: Proper staging can help highlight your home’s strengths and downplay its weaknesses. This can involve arranging furniture to best showcase floor space, setting the dining room table, or placing fresh flowers in the entryway. Hiring a professional stager may be beneficial for some homes.

• Optimize Lighting: Good lighting can make your home look more inviting and spacious. Open all curtains or blinds to let in natural light, and ensure all light fixtures are working and equipped with the right light bulbs.

• Create a Pleasant Smell: Bad odors can be a major turn-off for potential buyers. Make sure your home smells fresh. This can be achieved by baking cookies, burning scented candles, or simply opening windows to let fresh air in before the showing.

1. Make a List of Repairs/Upgrades: If you’ve made significant repairs or upgrades, make a list to leave out for buyers to see. This can include things like new appliances, a new roof, HVAC system, or renovations. This can help buyers feel more confident in the maintenance and value of the home.

By investing time and effort into preparing your home for showings, you can improve its appeal to potential buyers, which can help it sell more quickly and potentially at a higher price.