Tips to Make Your Home Showing a Success

Many sellers continue to live in the property they’re trying to sell. While that’s completely normal, overlooking certain details could become a major obstacle when a potential buyer visits your home—and prevent a deal from happening.

If that’s your case and you’ve decided to sell your current residence, here are some key tips you’ll want to keep in mind:

Family members should not be home

Exactly—aside from the buyer, the only person who should be present is the real estate agent managing your listing. If the buyer was brought by a different agency, their agent can also be present—but that’s it.

Trust me: having the owners follow the agent and buyer around the house, breathing down their necks, is anything but pleasant. It’s also very awkward to arrive and find the whole family there like a welcoming committee (balloons optional) announcing the obvious: “...and this is the living room.” Really?

If you’ve hired a professional to sell your home, then let them do their job. Give them the space they need to work. Buyers feel pressured when the entire family tries to convince them that the seashell toilet lid is the best one for their future family. That sale won’t close—don’t do it.

Tip: When a showing is scheduled, make arrangements to be out of the house—with the parrot included—for at least 20 minutes.

What about pets?

You love your dogs, and that’s great. But not everyone does. Like your family, they should also be out during the visit. And make sure all their little “gifts” are picked up and cleaned—you don’t want a client stepping in one.

Also pay close attention to “pet smells.” Some incense or a subtle air freshener (plus good cleaning and disinfecting) will do the trick.

Keep your house spotless

The fact that the property is still occupied can either work against you… or in your favor.

Furnished homes help buyers visualize space and imagine what will fit. But your house must be very clean and tidy for the showing. Be honest: who likes to walk into a kitchen full of smelly, dirty dishes? Definitely not your buyer.

If you don’t have household help and don’t have time to clean before the visit, let your real estate agent know. Agencies in Playa del Carmen, Mérida or Tulum usually have cleaning professionals they can recommend in a pinch.

Make the beds

This goes hand in hand with cleaning. Being messy isn’t always the same as being dirty, but it has the same negative impact. Your sheets can be clean, but if your bed is a disaster, it won’t look good.

Bedrooms are very personal. Keep them tidy and avoid showing your lifestyle. Store photos from that magical weekend getaway and close closet doors. If your closets are open, organize your clothes carefully.

Take out the trash

And anything that shouldn’t be there. It’ll also help you start decluttering before your move. A smelly trash bin in the kitchen attracts flies and even cockroaches. Do you really think your buyer wants to see yesterday’s overripe banana covered in fruit flies? You already know the answer.

Fix things up

Cosmetic and functional repairs might seem pointless if you’re planning to sell soon—but you’d be wrong!

If you’re moving to a new home, put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Would you want to buy a place with water stains or a dripping faucet? Probably not.

A quick refresh doesn’t have to be expensive. Think of it as an investment to speed up your sale. After all, love at first sight is real—especially in real estate!

These are just some of the things to consider when planning a showing for potential buyers. If your goal is to sell quickly and at the best price, listen to your real estate agent in Playa del Carmen, Mérida or Tulum. We know what we’re doing!

And if you don’t have one yet—get in touch with us right away!