What Happens Next In the Selling Process: 8 Tips to Help You Ace Your Home Showings

Your House is Officially for Sale: What Happens Next?

Congratulations, your house is now officially on the market! This is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with plenty of questions and decisions. You might be wondering what happens next, how to prepare for showings, and how to get the best offers. Don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.

In recent years, we’ve grown used to seeing buyers respond to homes from day one. Many call or email the makelaar (real estate agent) immediately to schedule a showing.

Pro Tip: The buyers who reach out right away are often the most motivated. They’re actively searching for a home and ready to take action. These early responders might just be your best candidates.

So, what’s next? Let’s walk through the process to ensure everything runs smoothly and stress-free.

Scheduling Showings: A Practical Approach

When multiple buyers express interest right away, it’s time to coordinate showings with your makelaar. Here are some tips to manage this effectively:

• Batch Your Appointments: Instead of spreading showings over several days, aim to schedule consecutive appointments. For instance, having five back-to-back showings on a Monday afternoon is often less disruptive than one showing each day. This approach minimizes interruptions to your routine and keeps the process efficient.
• Communicate Your Preferences: If certain days or times work better for you, let your makelaar know. For example, you might be open to showings all day Monday but only in the mornings on Wednesday. Most agents are happy to accommodate your schedule.
• Handling High Interest: If there’s overwhelming demand (say, 40 interested buyers), consider a mix of private showings and an open house. This way, all serious buyers have an opportunity to see your home. Open houses can be a great way to manage large numbers of viewers while still giving individuals the chance to explore.

Important: Avoid working with agents who limit the number of showings and put the rest of the buyers on a “reserve list.” You want as many interested parties as possible. Who knows? Buyer #26 might make the best offer!

Should You Stay During Showings? Probably Not

While it’s ultimately your decision whether to be present during showings, it’s generally not recommended. Here’s why:

• Buyers Feel Uncomfortable: When the homeowner is present, buyers may feel hesitant to speak openly about their thoughts or ask questions. They might rush through the viewing instead of taking the time to envision themselves living in the space. This can detract from their experience and potentially from their interest.
• Trust Your Makelaar: Your agent knows how to guide buyers through the home and highlight its best features. Because they’re not emotionally attached to the property, they can objectively gauge the buyer’s interest and adapt their approach accordingly.

Tip: Avoid “selling” your home to buyers during showings (e.g., “Don’t you just love the kitchen?”). Buyers prefer to form their own opinions and may feel pressured if they sense you’re hovering.

Preparing Your Home for Showings

With the first showing scheduled, it’s time to ensure your home makes the best impression. Creating an inviting, well-presented space can make all the difference. Here’s how:

1. First Impressions Matter

Your home’s exterior sets the tone for what buyers can expect inside. A well-kept exterior not only attracts attention but also builds excitement before they even walk through the door. Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, tidy up flower beds, and ensure the entrance is welcoming. Consider giving your front door a fresh coat of paint or a thorough cleaning.

Tip: Buyers often drive by homes before scheduling a showing, so don’t wait until the last minute to tidy up. Make sure your home’s curb appeal is on point from the start.

2. Fix Small Issues

Minor problems can create major doubts for buyers. Address things like:

• Dripping faucets
• Discolored sinks
• Broken light fixtures
• Rattling door handles

These fixes may seem small but can significantly impact how buyers perceive your home. A well-maintained home suggests to buyers that larger systems (like plumbing or electrical) are also in good shape.

3. Clean and Tidy Up

A clean, uncluttered home is key to making buyers feel welcome. This includes:

• Living areas: Make them cozy but not overcrowded.
• Bathrooms: Ensure they’re spotless and bright.
• Outdoor spaces: Keep the garden and patio neat.

However, avoid overdoing it—your home should feel lived in, not sterile. Buyers want to imagine themselves living there, so a balance of tidiness and comfort is ideal.

4. Maximize Light and Space

A bright, airy home feels more inviting. Open curtains, blinds, or shutters to let in natural light. Turn on lights in darker areas and during cloudy weather. Fresh air also helps—leave windows slightly open if possible. If you have any dark corners or rooms, strategically placed lighting can make all the difference.

5. Prioritize Safety

Homeowners learn to live with all sorts of self-inflicted booby traps that buyers will not necessarily be aware of. Ensure your home is hazard-free for visitors. Address issues like:

• Loose stair railings
• Slippery rugs
• Tangled extension cords
• Low-hanging lights

Make sure the house is as safe as possible for everyone who steps inside.

6. Declutter Storage Areas

Buyers are looking for ample storage space, so make sure basements, attics, and closets are tidy. Remove unnecessary items to showcase the full potential of these areas. A clutter-free storage area gives the impression of more space.

7. Handle Pets with Care

While pets are beloved family members, they can be a distraction during showings. Keep them outside, in a pen, or take them with you during appointments. Some buyers may have allergies or fears that could detract from their experience.

8. Don’t Turn Your Home into a Museum

Personal collections or overly unique decor can be distracting. I think back to a home I once sold from an elderly lady who had over 3,000 figurines of her favorite animal, the owl, on display in her home.

Or from the gentleman who had at least 50 impressive Samurai swords and crossbows hanging on the wall in the living room.

It distracts enormously from the interesting and attractive aspects of your home. A week after the showing, ask viewers what they remember about the house? Oh yes, “that house with those owls” will be the only thing they remember.

Keep decor neutral and minimal to help buyers focus on the house itself. You want them to remember the space, not your personal style.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home is a big step, but with the right preparation and collaboration with your makelaar, the process can be smooth and successful. By making thoughtful choices about scheduling, presentation, and showings, you’ll create the best environment for buyers to fall in love with your home.

Remember, each small effort you make to present your home at its best will pay off in the end. With motivated buyers, a trusted makelaar, and these tips in your toolkit, you’ll be well on your way to securing the perfect offer.