Getting Ready for a Home Showing? Here’s What Real Estate Agents Suggest
Preparing your home for showings can feel overwhelming, but a few strategic moves can turn your home into a buyer’s dream. A great showing starts long before showing your house — and the smallest details can influence whether a potential buyer makes an offer or walks away.
In this guide, we’ll share expert home showing preparation tips from real estate agents who know what actually sells homes. Whether your property is in Lexington, Winston-Salem, High Point, or Kernersville, these home showing tips will help your home stand out.
Start Before Showing Your House: First Impressions Begin at the Curb
You only get one chance to make a first impression. So before showing your house, make sure the exterior is clean, inviting, and clutter-free. Boost your curb appeal with:
- Fresh mulch and trimmed hedges
- A power-washed driveway
- A seasonal wreath and new welcome mat
- A fresh coat of paint on the front door
- Clean or repainted house numbers
Remember, buyers are already forming opinions before they even step inside. This is your chance to create a warm welcome and build anticipation.
Decluttering: The Golden Rule of Home Showing Preparation
One of the most overlooked home showing tips is also the simplest: declutter every room. Buyers want to see the bones of your house, not your lifestyle.
Go room by room and remove:
- Family photos and personal collections
- Excess furniture or bulky pieces that block walkways
- Toys, pet gear, paperwork, and mail
- Overflowing closets and crowded cabinets
This step is essential in preparing your home for showings. A tidy, neutral space helps buyers envision themselves living there.
Deep Clean Every Inch — Then Clean It Again
Nothing will turn off a buyer faster than a dirty home. One of the most critical home showing preparation tips is to deep clean your space top to bottom.
Don’t forget to:
- Clean carpeting or replace if worn
- Mop hardwood floors to a shine
- Disinfect bathrooms and polish fixtures
- Eliminate odors with air fresheners or essential oil diffusers
- Wipe down baseboards, fan blades, blinds, and door handles
If you can’t tackle it yourself, hire a professional home cleaner. According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), a clean home consistently ranks as a top factor in buyer decisions.
Let in Natural Light: One of the Most Overlooked Home Showing Tips
Lighting can completely transform a space. Make your home feel open, warm, and fresh by maximizing natural light.
- Open blinds and pull back curtains
- Replace burned-out bulbs with bright, white LED lighting
- Match bulb temperatures in each room
- Add floor lamps or table lamps to dim corners
This small effort helps rooms feel bigger and more inviting. It’s an essential step before showing your house.
Neutralize Decor and Color Choices
Preparing your home for showings isn’t about erasing personality — it’s about creating space for the buyer’s imagination. Stick to neutral colors and décor that appeal to a wide range of buyers.
- Repaint bold walls with soft, neutral tones
- Remove themed or highly stylized furniture
- Keep accessories minimal but tasteful
Want a tip from the pros? Add a pop of greenery or fresh flowers to brighten spaces without overwhelming them. Buyers love homes that feel “Instagram-ready” without being overdone.
Handle the Details: Repairs Buyers Will Notice
One cracked tile, a wobbly handrail, or a squeaky door can signal neglect. Go through your home as if you were a buyer, and make a checklist.
Fix or replace:
- Loose cabinet knobs
- Chipped paint or damaged drywall
- Squeaky hinges
- Dripping faucets
- Uneven flooring or damaged carpet
These small tasks go a long way in showing buyers that your home for sale has been well cared for.
Clean and Stage Outdoor Spaces
If you have a patio, deck, balcony, or backyard, don’t forget to stage those areas. Outdoor living spaces are major selling points, especially post-pandemic.
- Sweep the patio and clean furniture
- Set up a small table and chairs to create a “moment”
- Add string lights or lanterns for ambiance
- Mow and edge the lawn
- Remove clutter like hoses, trash bins, and unused toys
You’re not just showing a house — you’re showing a lifestyle.
Pet Prep: Out of Sight, Out of Sniff
Buyers may love dogs and cats — but they don’t want to smell them. If you have pets, make sure their presence is minimized during showings.
- Remove litter boxes, food bowls, and pet beds
- Vacuum fur from upholstery and flooring
- Use enzymatic cleaners on problem spots
- Arrange for pets to be out of the house during showings
For bonus points, stash chew toys and crates. The goal is to create a space that smells clean, looks fresh, and appeals to all.
Final Touches Before the Door Opens
As you’re getting ready for a home showing, it’s the little things that can leave a lasting impression.
- Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature
- Turn on soft background music
- Display a welcome note or a flyer with key features
- Add a bowl of mints, wrapped treats, or bottled water at the door
These small, thoughtful touches tell buyers your home has been loved and cared for.
What Should You Never Forget?
Here’s a quick summary of things many homeowners forget before showing your house:
- Turn off ceiling fans
- Take out all trash
- Clear the driveway of cars
- Remove valuables and prescription meds
- Make the beds and fluff the pillows
- Double-check closets, bathrooms, and laundry areas
Need Help Preparing Your Home for Showings?
At Mantle Realty, our local agents know what it takes to get your home showing-ready — whether you’re in High Point, Lexington, Kernersville, or Winston-Salem.
We offer:
- Personalized walk-through prep advice
- Access to trusted stagers, cleaners, and handymen
- Market-savvy guidance on what matters most to buyers
- A complete marketing strategy to make your home shine
Ready to list or just want to get started?
➡️ Request a free home valuation
➡️ Browse our seller resources
➡️ Meet our team
Trusted External Resources
- NAR Guide to Home Staging
- HGTV’s Ultimate Home Showing Checklist
- Consumer Reports: How to Prepare Your Home for Sale
Final Thoughts
Home showing preparation tips aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. By following these steps and investing the time before showing your house, you increase your chances of creating that instant “yes” from a buyer.
Whether it’s the sparkle of hardwood floors, the glow of natural light, or the calm of a clutter-free space, great showings sell homes. Let Mantle Realty help you turn your house into a buyer’s favorite.
