How can I reduce the hassle of keeping my house in showing shape?

Here are some inside tips to keep your home shining between showings and be ready for a buyer in two minutes. Literally!

Have a Game Plan

• Map your moves.
  Assign responsibility for each room to a family member so when the "two-minute drill" starts, each person knows which rooms to straighten.
• Rely on a bail-out box.
  Eliminate a frantic search for keys, wallet, dog’s leash and shoes when you are leaving to let the agent show your house. Keep a small box with pertinent items stashed in a handy place such as the coat closet floor.
• Plan your get-away.
  Know where you’ll go when you vacate the house for show time. Take the kids to the library, park, playground, fast food restaurant, or to visit friends. Do your grocery shopping, pick up the cleaning, buy Aunt Jane’s birthday present.

Best Defense Is A Good Offense

• Keep the bathroom shining.
  If you’re a two- or three-bathroom household, consider using only one, so you only have to keep one clean. For a lasting shine on tiles, wipe them down with a squeegee after every shower.
• Note the keepers.
  To forestall questions, you might want to label special items "to include" or "not to include".
• Blossom out.
  Fresh flowers are nice when your house is being shown. Wildflowers or your own garden flowers work as well as those from a florist. Or buy long-lasting flowering plants.
  

We'll be happy to consult with you on other ways to showcase your house. Call or e-mail for answers to your home-selling questions.

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Adrien has answers to your questions and more professional tips to make your real estate transaction more pleasurable. Call or e-mail Adrien or click on Ask Your Own Questions. Adrien can send you information on any Property Listed For Sale on the Multiple Listing Service in the Ottawa area. If you would like him to help you locate a home, please fill out his Information Request Form. Surfing the Real Estate Board's web site or MLS.CA and found a house that you like but doesn't give you the civic address. Adrien can also help. Just fill out his Would like an address form, please ! Or perhaps you are considering selling your home in the near future, he can also offer you a Free No-Obligation Market Evaluation Form.