We’ve already laid out step by step instructions of what to do before putting your home on the market. And my personal favorite, how to have the perfect listing. But today we’re talking showings and the evidence you need to discard before potential buyers sneak a peek:

1. Shower soaps. Not just the gross straggler bar of soap that has sat on the little shelf for too long. We’re talking quite literally everything from your morning shower; the seventeen bottles of shampoo and conditioner, razors, etc. Tuck every single item neatly under the vanity, give the bath a good scrub, and keep it that way until she’s sold!
2. Wastebaskets. Staying in line with all your shower essentials, the garbage is not going to help sell your home. I either put them in the garage or under the sink for each showing. They look terrible in photos and are visual clutter.
3. Dog poop. Gross, I know. But sometimes when you’re going gangbusters trying to give the whole house the white glove treatment, you forget the backyard and oops, your potential buyer steps unknowingly into a pile and traipses back through your entire house, carpet included. While you’re at it, store dog beds, dog food and any other fur baby items in one place. Bonus points for garage or shed because you don’t want any lingering odors.
4. Sentimental Items. Not just the standard “take down any family photos” but we all have thoughtful, well-meaning gifts from friends and family that you might truly love, but don’t belong for a showing. Think kids artwork, baby shower magnets on the fridge, Grandma’s hand sewn doilies. Heck, I even re-homed my late Dad’s Ronald Reagan statue for the time being because when selling your home you want to avoid anything off-putting that might be polarizing to your buyer pool. Even if he was holding a cute bag of jelly beans 😉
5. Counter clutter. This goes for every. single. surface. I know your mind immediately went to the kitchen. Mine too. And can I tell you? We’re the so called experts in this area and I was still shaming myself for having bananas on our counter for the professional photos. The yellow was so distracting! So be sure to take all paper towels, soaps, mini appliances, stray toys, e v e r y t h i n g, off each and every surface. And please, for the love of Pete, don’t just toss them in the pantry haphazardly – remember, buyers snoop in every nook and cranny.

What would you add to the list? Thanks for starting your week off with the Pack! It’s going to be a great one, we can feel it!