Dear Heather

I have just put my house on the market, and I am finding it really hard to keep it clean, tidy and ready for showing with two small children. Do you have any advice?

Short of Time, St. George

Dear Short of Time,

By keeping up with the daily and weekly checklist of chores, you should be able to prepare your house for showing in under an hour. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, as they say.

Curb Appeal calls for a manicured garden, fresh paint, and everything clean and tidy, among other things.

However if you do get a last minute request, keep your cool. Request from the Realtor the time that you need to do a quick clean-up. Be honest, say you want to show your house’s best face. Don’t be talked into showing your house in less than perfect condition. All your efforts will be diminished if you let buyers see your house at less than its best. Be realistic, too — if a buyer is only available for a day and a realtor wants to show your house, get it ready as quickly as possible. As a seller it helps if you go that extra mile to accommodate buyer’s schedules.

Leave the house during showings. Buyers are much more comfortable inspecting a house if the owner isn’t there. They look deeper and talk more openly about the house.

If you’re on the fence about listing your house with a real estate professional, remember realtors are experienced in showing houses, answering buyer’s questions, and ‘closing the deal’. At ‘Show Time’ leave your house in the hands of a capable professional who is experienced in pointing out the highlights that will sell it. After a showing, be sure to listen and discuss any feedback received both from buyers and other Agents. Listen objectively, remain open and flexible — remember this is business, and your goal is to sell your house quickly and at maximum profitability.

Go on our Facebook page Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty to like and share this article, and to see a short video on how to present your home to buyers.

Heather Chilvers is among Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty’s Leading Sales Representatives and has been working in Real Estate for 25 years. If you have a question for Heather, please contact her at hchilvers@brcl.bm or 332 1793.