Last-minute house showing? Here’s what sellers should do

A potential buyer calls you because they saw a for sale sign in front of a house they are interested in… but they want to see it this afternoon.

Your sellers need to get their house ready, and quickly. What to tackle first? Better Homes and Gardens provided this list of must-do for your sellers to get their homes looking their best in a short amount of time. Pass it along to your clients for them to keep handy.

•  Sweep front steps and clean front-door glass.
• Carry a laundry basket throughout the house, picking up clutter. Stash out of sight.
• Clean up trash, throw it out and line trash receptacles with clean liners.
• Wipe down any dirty areas in the bathrooms using household cleaner and paper towels.
• Apply toilet-bowl cleaner in the toilets and give them a quick brushing.
• Wipe down bathroom floors with a damp towel.
• Hang fresh hand towels and put out fresh hand soap.
• Vacuum high-traffic areas guests will see.
• Dust wood floors quickly using a dust mop.
• Wipe down kitchen counters, cupboards and appliances with household cleaner.
• Make beds.
• Straighten stacks of magazines and books.
• Straighten sofa pillows.
• Straighten coat closets and close all closet doors.
• Pull back drapes and let natural light in.
• Turn on the lights in every room.
•  Be sure your pets are secured. (If you can, run them over to a neighbor’s or friend’s home.)
• Light mild-scented candles to give your home a fresh, clean aroma.