When a showing appointment is made...

When you put your house up for sale, both agents and individuals will want to view your home. The following is a listed of suggested ideas to help increase the chances for a successful showing:

1) Open all draperies and window shades during daylight hours.
2) Turn on all lights and replace bulbs with high wattage bulbs where needed.
3) Open windows one-half house before showing to circulate fresh air.
4) Open all the doors between rooms to give an inviting feeling.
5) Place fresh flowers on kitchen table and/or in the living room.
6) If possible, bake cookies or bread to add an inviting aroma.
7) The kitchen and bathrooms should be sparkling clean.
8) Pets should be confined or restricted from view. Be sure to eliminate pet odors. Not everyone may share your love of animals and some people may even be allergic to them.
9) All jewelry and small valuables should be stored in a safety location.
10) Replace any items not included in the sale, or tag them appropriately with “to be replaced with…” or “not included” signs.
10) Beds should be made and clothes picked up. Bathrooms should be clean with towels folded and the toilet lid down.
11) When you leave the house, leave it as if you know it is going to be shown. You never know when the right person is going to look at it!
12) Make sure your property profile folder, utility bills, house locations survey, etc. are available.
13) Add some strategically placed fresh flowers
14) Turn off the television and turn on the relaxing music at a low volume
15) Make a fire in the fireplace if appropriate

For more great tips, advice and local Grand Rapids real estate market informaton visit http://www.grapidshomes.com/