Selling your house in Dallas? There’s more to it than meets the eye, especially when it comes to showcasing your home to potential buyers.
Hey there, future home sellers! I’m Oleg Sedletsky, your go-to Realtor with deep knowledge in Dallas real estate and a proud holder of the Seller Representative Specialist designation.
In this article, we’ll dive into the dynamics of selling your home while still living in it, ensuring you navigate this process smoothly.
The significance of property showings in the home-selling process
Recognizing that showings are key to the home-selling process is crucial. It’s the moment when sellers showcase their property to potential buyers, setting the stage for a possible sale.
During these showings, prospective buyers get a real, tangible sense of the house, allowing them to see if it truly meets their needs and matches the allure of the photos and videos they’ve seen. The physical examination of every detail by the buyers is a pivotal part of their decision-making.
The property’s appearance and condition during the showing play a significant role in influencing their final verdict.
There are multiple methods buyers use to arrange showings. The buyer’s Realtor may request a showing through the MLS, or they might attend an open house event organized by the listing agent.
So, you want to get your house ready for showings? Let’s dive into some killer tips to make sure everything looks inviting and neutral!
Curb appeal is essential:
First impressions start from the outside. Boosting your curb appeal is essential. Take the time to tidy up your landscaping, ensure your lawn is manicured, and that your home’s exterior is as welcoming as can be. Little tweaks here can make a world of difference.
De-clutter:
Clear all visible surfaces by removing items such as paper towels, vases, utensils, cookware, food processors, garbage cans, and china in the kitchen. The goal is to have countertops that are completely free of any external items, presenting a tidy and uncluttered space.
Banish Odors from Your Home!
Ensure your space is pristine and free of any trash or unpleasant odors to make showings more inviting. Time to clean, clean, clean!
The top deal breaker? Smell! Clear your space of anything with a scent. Common culprits include trash, food, spices, and personal items – anything that touches a surface.
Before showings, ensure all trash and odorous items are gone – this means checking the kitchen, bathrooms, closets, and laundry room.
PRO TIP: Skip cooking before showings. Spice odors linger and can throw off potential buyers. Keep it fresh to make the best impression!
Secure All Valuables!
What qualifies as valuables? Essentially, anything you fear losing. Picture this: you inadvertently leave behind a document with sensitive personal information, and it disappears after a property viewing. Tracing the responsible party becomes a near-impossible task!
To prevent the loss of valuables, ensure their removal before any showings.
The most commonly valued items include:
Jewelry
Suggested for removal before showcasing the house
Cash
Suggested for removal before showcasing the house
Sensitive documents with personal or business details
Suggested for removal before showcasing the house
Credit cards
Suggested for removal before showcasing the house
Personal apparel
Suggested for removal before showcasing the house
Electronics such as laptops, tablets, and phones
Suggested for removal before showcasing the house
Electronics such as external hard drives, USB drives and memory cards
Suggested for removal before showcasing the house
High-value items like photo and video cameras along with related gear, drones
Suggested for removal before showcasing the house
Personal photographs or artworks
Suggested for removal before showcasing the house
Firearms and ammunition
Suggested for removal before showcasing the house
Wallets, remote openers, and keys
Suggested for removal before showcasing the house
To mitigate any potential risks, it is advisable to remove anything of value prior to showing the property. This precaution helps in preventing undesirable outcomes.
Remove Prescription medications
Often underestimated, the safety of prescription medicines is a critical issue. Ensuring they do not disappear, fall into the wrong hands, or lead to accidents is paramount.
Inspect all your lighting fixtures to ensure they are in proper working order.
Double-check that every light fixture shines brightly! Sure, you’ve updated the lighting while prepping your home for sale, but sometimes bulbs can fizzle out unexpectedly. It’s a small detail that’s easy to overlook, yet a burnt-out bulb can subtly influence a buyer’s perception of your space. Keep those lights glowing – it makes a world of difference!
PRO TIP: Always stock up on extra light bulbs of the same color and wattage. And here’s a little insider secret: light up your entire house before showings to make everything look its best!
For those who own pets…
If you have furry friends at home, it’s a good idea to have them stay elsewhere during property showings. Some folks might be nervous around pets, have allergies, or form certain perceptions that might not work in the seller’s favor. Try to remove any pet-related items like leashes, cages, food bowls, and grooming supplies, so there’s no hint of pets living there. This small step can make a big difference!
Plan ahead to decide where you will be during the showings.
The showing requires an uninterrupted tour of the property, necessitating the absence of homeowners during these times. As homeowners, it’s smart to have a getaway plan during showings. What’s key to this plan? Knowing how much notice you’ll need and picking the perfect spot to hang out while your home stages its grand reveal. Planning ahead ensures a smooth, flawless showcase of your property.
Prepare for multiple property showings
It’s great when home sellers get lots of showings – it means there’s a lot of interest in the property! Sure, juggling all those showing requests can be a bit taxing, but it’s all part of the process. The goal is to sell the house, right? So, it’s worth making the effort to accommodate as many showings as you can. Keep up the good work!
Ensure your home’s temperature is always cozy and inviting!
Texas can turn up the heat with its hot and humid climate, but maintaining a cool, comfortable temperature during showings can silently win over buyers.
💡 PRO TIP: Set your thermostat to a refreshing 70 degrees, especially during those sizzling summer months!
Speaking of comfort, don’t forget to replace your HVAC filter for the freshest, cleanest air wafting through your home from those vents!
The key to nailing a successful showing
It’s all about crafting a perfectly neutral house vibe. Here’s the deal: prospective buyers might not vibe with your personal taste, and that could sway their decision. Keep it neutral, make it inviting, and watch the magic happen.
I hope these tips offer you valuable insights and get you ready for a crucial element of selling your home in the Dallas area. 🏡
Ready to put your Dallas home on the market? Reach out to me now, and Let’s team up and get your house SOLD!
Are you looking to sell your real estate property in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
The process of selling a home can be complex and overwhelming, but with the help and guidance of a Realtor, you can navigate through it smoothly. I offer a proven post-COVID-19 home-selling plan that will provide peace of mind and ensure a successful sale.
Whether you have a house or land to sell, I invite you to fill out my Home Sellers form and let me assist you with all your real estate needs.
By collaborating with a licensed real estate professional, you’ll benefit from valuable insights and unwavering support every step of the way. Let’s join forces to confidently sell your home, ensuring a seamless and successful journey.
Call/Text 214.940.8149
Check out my other articles for more helpful information about the home selling process.
The home-selling process can be daunting, especially for first timers. But don’t worry, I’m here to help. To give you an idea of what to expect, I’ve put together a simple guide with the top things home sellers need to know.
Get more information by checking out my other articles linked below.
– House Selling Process – What You Need To Know
– 6 Factors That Increase Home Value in the Dallas Area
– Determining The Value of Your Home
– Get Your Home Ready To Sell Checklist: A First Impression That Lasts!
– Understanding the Listing Contract
– Staging Your Home To Sell – Will it Help?
– What does a Realtor® do to sell your house?
– How to Have a Successful Showing or Open House (Showings & Open House Checklist)
– Solid post COVID-19 Marketing Plan To Sell Your House
Latest from Dallas Real Estate Blog
The Seller’s Agent Duty
READ: Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Services
AS AGENT FOR OWNER (SELLER/LANDLORD): The broker becomes the property owner’s agent through an agreement with the
owner, usually in a written listing to sell or property management agreement. An owner’s agent must perform the broker’s minimum
duties above and must inform the owner of any material information about the property or transaction known by the agent, including
information disclosed to the agent or subagent by the buyer or buyer’s agent.
A BROKER’S MINIMUM DUTIES REQUIRED BY LAW (A client is the person or party that the broker represents):
– Put the interests of the client above all others, including the broker’s own interests;
– Inform the client of any material information about the property or transaction received by the broker;
– Answer the client’s questions and present any offer to or counter–offer from the client; and
– Treat all parties to a real estate transaction honestly and fairly.
TO AVOID DISPUTES, ALL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN YOU AND A BROKER SHOULD BE IN WRITING AND CLEARLY ESTABLISH:
– The broker’s duties and responsibilities to you, and your obligations under the representation agreement.
– Who will pay the broker for services provided to you, when payment will be made and how the payment will be calculated.
TYPES OF REAL ESTATE LICENSE HOLDERS:
– A BROKER is responsible for all brokerage activities, including acts performed by sales agents sponsored by the broker.
– A SALES AGENT must be sponsored by a broker and works with clients on behalf of the broker.
My Official Designations
Accredited Buyer’s Representatives (ABR®) signify the pinnacle of excellence in representing buyers. The ABR® designation offers comprehensive education, equipping Realtors with the necessary skills to effectively serve today’s homebuyers with a competitive edge.
The Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) designation stands as the pinnacle credential in seller representation, crafted to raise professional standards and boost individual performance.
The Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation.
The Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certification stands as the leading credential for negotiation, meticulously crafted to refine and advance the negotiating capabilities of contemporary real estate professionals, enabling them to advocate for their clients with unparalleled effectiveness.