Showing Your Home to Get Top Dollar
The way your home is presented during showings directly impacts the offers you receive. Here is how to make every showing count.
10 Showing Tips That Make a Real Difference
Clean Like It Has Never Been Cleaned Before
Steam the carpets, mop and polish hard floors, scrub bathrooms and kitchen grout, clean windows inside and out, wipe down baseboards, and polish all appliances. A spotlessly clean home signals care and pride of ownership — and buyers notice immediately.
Depersonalize and Declutter Every Room
Buyers need to picture themselves living in your home — and that is hard to do when it is full of your family photos, collections, and personal mementos. Remove anything that says “someone else lives here” and store it. Less on surfaces, less on walls, less furniture makes rooms feel larger and more inviting.
Let in the Light
Open every curtain and blind before a showing. Turn on all interior lights — including lamps. A bright home feels bigger, more welcoming, and more move-in ready. Darkness and shadows make buyers uneasy and make spaces feel smaller than they are.
Set a Comfortable Temperature
A too-hot or too-cold home sends buyers rushing through rather than lingering. Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature before every showing. A comfortable buyer stays longer. A buyer who stays longer is more likely to fall in love with your home.
Control Pet and Odour Issues
Pet odours are one of the most common buyer objections and they are rarely obvious to the people who live with pets. Arrange for pets to leave the home during showings whenever possible. Avoid heavy air fresheners — they often signal that you are masking something. Fresh air, clean fabrics, and spotless floors are far more effective.
Highlight the Home’s Best Features
If you have beautiful hardwood floors hidden under a rug, roll up the rug. If you have a stunning backyard view, make sure the back window is clean and the patio is staged invitingly. Great kitchens should look great, not be hiding behind refrigerator magnets and clutter.
Keep Storage Areas Tidy
Buyers open closets, garages, and storage rooms — every time. An overstuffed closet suggests insufficient storage. A tidy, organized storage space suggests the home has been well-maintained. If your closets are overflowing, consider a temporary storage unit while your home is listed.
Do Not Forget the Exterior
Curb appeal matters every single time — not just at first listing. Before every showing, check that the driveway is clear, the lawn is tidy, the entryway is clean, and the front door looks welcoming. In winter, driveways and walkways should always be cleared of snow and ice.
Leave the Home During Showings
Sellers should not be present during showings. Buyers feel watched when you are there and hold back questions and conversations. Your absence gives buyers the freedom to imagine themselves living in the home — which is exactly what you want them doing.
Lock Away Valuables and Private Information
Secure medications, jewellery, electronics, financial documents, and any other valuables before showings. This is standard practice and protects everyone involved.
How I Coordinate Your Showings
I manage all showing logistics on your behalf. You receive showing requests through a notification system, approve or reschedule based on your availability, and get feedback collected from the buyer’s agent after every visit. If showings are happening but no offers are coming, I analyze the feedback patterns and discuss adjustment strategies with you proactively. You are never left wondering what is happening with your listing.
A well-shown home is a well-sold home. I am here to make sure your property is always presented at its absolute best.
Ready to Make Your Ottawa Valley Home Shine?
Let’s connect and build your showing strategy together. Every showing is an opportunity — and I want to make sure you are making the most of every single one.
Want Your Home to Show at Its Best?
Kayla provides hands-on showing prep guidance to every seller — from staging tips to scheduling strategies that drive competitive offers.