{"id":104224,"date":"2025-07-31T09:42:44","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T16:42:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=104224"},"modified":"2025-07-31T09:48:34","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T16:48:34","slug":"house-showing-dos-and-donts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/house-showing-dos-and-donts\/","title":{"rendered":"18 House Showing Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts to Help Your Home Stand Out"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><b>To prepare for a house showing, clean thoroughly, declutter, and create a space buyers can picture themselves living in. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal is to make your home look its absolute best every time someone walks through the door.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you&#8217;re selling your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/30825\/TX\/Carrollton\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home in Carrollton, TX<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/7245\/AZ\/Goodyear\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Goodyear, AZ<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, being ready for showings is key to a successful sale. In this Redfin article, we\u2019ll walk you through exactly how to prepare for a house showing, from quick-clean tips to common mistakes to avoid, so your home leaves a lasting first impression.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-ast-global-color-4-background-color has-background\"><strong>In this article: <\/strong><br \/><a href=\"#h-what-is-a-house-showing-nbsp\">What is a house showing?\u00a0<\/a><br \/><a href=\"#h-house-showing-do-s\">House showing do\u2019s<\/a><br \/><a href=\"#h-don-ts-to-avoid-when-showing-your-home\">Don\u2019ts to avoid when showing your home<\/a><br \/><a href=\"#h-make-every-house-showing-count\">Make every house showing count<br \/><\/a><a href=\"#h-house-showing-faqs\">House showing FAQs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-house-showing-nbsp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a house showing?&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><b>A house showing is a scheduled opportunity for potential buyers to tour your home, either in person or virtually, before deciding whether to make an offer.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It\u2019s one of the most important parts of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/sell-a-home\/address\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home-selling<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> process because it gives buyers a chance to experience the home beyond photos and listings.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714 <\/span><b>Know what type of showing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is scheduled (open house vs. private)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><b> Be prepared to leave the home<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for in-person showings<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2718 <\/span><b>Show up<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during the showing<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2718 <\/span><b>Assume virtual tours are a replacement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for in-person viewings<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-traditional-private-showings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traditional private showings<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common type, these are one-on-one tours arranged through a buyer\u2019s agent. They\u2019re usually scheduled in advance and can happen throughout the day or week. Sellers are typically asked to leave the home during the showing to give buyers space.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-open-houses\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open houses<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hosted by your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/listing-agent-vs-sellers-agent\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">listing agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, open houses allow multiple buyers to tour your home during a set timeframe, usually on a weekend afternoon. These events can create a sense of urgency and attract buyers who haven\u2019t yet scheduled a private tour.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt; Check out: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/open-house-checklist-for-sellers\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Ultimate Open House Checklist for Sellers<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-broker-opens\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Broker opens<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are similar to open houses but are limited to real estate agents and brokers. The goal is to generate interest among professionals who may have clients looking for a home like yours.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-virtual-showings-or-3d-tours\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Virtual showings or 3D tours<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Live video tours (via Zoom, FaceTime, or other apps) or pre-recorded 3D walkthroughs allow buyers to explore your home remotely. These are especially helpful for long-distance or out-of-town buyers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-self-guided-showings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-guided showings<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the help of secure lockbox systems or apps, some buyers can tour a home on their own without an agent present, usually reserved for vacant or model homes.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-house-showing-do-s\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">House showing do\u2019s<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to showing your home, first impressions aren\u2019t just important, they\u2019re everything. Use these do\u2019s to make sure your space looks clean, inviting, and move-in ready every time a buyer walks through the door.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-clean-like-you-mean-it\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Clean like you mean it<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buyers notice the details. Before your first showing, do a thorough clean from top to bottom.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Scrub<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> bathrooms and kitchen surfaces<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Dust<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> baseboards, shelves, and ceiling fans<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Mop <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">floors, vacuum carpets, and clean windows<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-declutter-every-room\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Declutter every room<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clutter can make even spacious rooms feel small. Clear surfaces, pack away extras, and simplify each room\u2019s layout.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Remove countertop items<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in kitchens and bathrooms<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Organize open shelves<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or stash belongings in labeled bins<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Pre-pack off-season clothes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, decor, or rarely used items<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-let-in-the-light\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Let in the light<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bright homes feel bigger and more welcoming.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Open all blinds<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and curtains<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Replace dim bulbs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with daylight LEDs<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Add floor or table lamps<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in dark corners to boost brightness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-tidy-up-the-exterior\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Tidy up the exterior<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/spring-curb-appeal\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curb appeal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> starts before buyers even open the door. A tidy exterior shows your home is well cared for.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Mow the lawn<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, trim hedges, and sweep the porch<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Add a fresh doormat<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and potted plant by the entry<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Clean windows<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and consider touching up chipped paint or scuffed trim<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-eliminate-odors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Eliminate odors<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scent is one of the first things buyers notice.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Take out the trash<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and clean out the fridge<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Avoid cooking strong-smelling foods<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before a showing<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Air out rooms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and use a subtle, neutral air freshener if needed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt; Read:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/best-scents-for-home\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Best Scents for Your Home: A Room-by-Room Guide<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-set-the-scene\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Set the scene<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Help buyers understand how each room can be used, especially in open-concept layouts.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Arrange furniture to highlight flow <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and functionality<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Add a few cozy touches<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like pillows or a folded throw blanket<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Avoid over-staging<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or anything that feels forced<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-make-a-quick-exit-plan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Make a quick exit plan<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Showings often happen with little notice. Have a plan so you can tidy up and leave fast.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Keep a basket nearby<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for last-minute clutter grabs<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Have pet leashes, bags, and supplies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ready to go<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Wipe down surfaces<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and do a quick once-over before you head out<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-safeguard-your-valuables\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Safeguard your valuables<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selling your home means opening your doors to strangers, which makes it especially important to prioritize safety, privacy, and security throughout the process. Before every showing, double-check that all valuable or personal items are tucked away.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Lock up<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> jewelry, watches, electronics, and cash<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Store <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prescription medications and important documents out of sight<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Avoid <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">leaving mail, checkbooks, or anything with sensitive info on display<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-use-a-lockbox-for-agent-only-access\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Use a lockbox for agent-only access<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only allow licensed real estate agents to schedule and access your home through a secure lockbox or showing service.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>This ensures:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All showings are tracked<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Entry is limited to qualified buyers and professionals<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your home stays secure during every visit<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-keep-pets-out-of-the-way\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Keep pets out of the way<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even the friendliest pets can cause stress or be a distraction to potential buyers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Take pets with you<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during the showing if possible<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If not,<\/span><b> confine them to a crate <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or safe, contained space<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Clean up<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> any pet hair, toys, or litter boxes beforehand<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-11-consider-exterior-cameras-but-know-the-rules\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11. Consider exterior cameras (but know the rules)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visible security cameras or smart doorbells can give you peace of mind, but be mindful.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Some states have laws<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> around recording audio or video during private showings<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Use cameras for safety<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, not to monitor or eavesdrop on buyers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-don-ts-to-avoid-when-showing-your-home\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019ts to avoid when showing your home<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s easy to overlook small details that leave a lasting impression, for better or worse. Avoid these common house showing mistakes by turning them into simple, effective habits.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-12-don-t-disclose-too-much-0\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12. Don\u2019t disclose too much<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you do happen to cross paths with a buyer or their agent, avoid discussing your motivation to sell, timelines, or willingness to negotiate. Let your listing agent handle all communication to keep your negotiation position strong.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-13-don-t-stay-home-during-the-showing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13. Don\u2019t stay home during the showing<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Do this instead: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leave the house so buyers can explore freely without feeling watched or rushed. Step out for a walk, run an errand, or plan a short outing while the showing takes place.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-14-don-t-overlook-lingering-odors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14. Don\u2019t overlook lingering odors<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Do this instead: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Address the source of smells, whether it\u2019s pets, trash, or musty air. Open windows when possible and use subtle, neutral air fresheners, less is more.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-15-don-t-make-the-space-too-personal-nbsp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15. Don\u2019t make the space too personal&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Do this instead: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you\u2019ve already removed family photos, go a step further by tucking away bold artwork, unique collections, or anything that might distract buyers from the space itself.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-16-don-t-skip-small-repairs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16. Don\u2019t skip small repairs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Do this instead: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tighten loose knobs, replace burned-out bulbs, fix leaky faucets, and silence squeaky doors. These tiny flaws can add up in a buyer\u2019s mind and suggest poor maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-17-don-t-limit-showing-availability\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17. Don\u2019t limit showing availability<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Do this instead: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be as flexible as possible, even for last-minute or after-work showings. The more buyers who can see your home, the faster it\u2019s likely to sell.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-18-don-t-forget-about-lighting\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18. Don\u2019t forget about lighting<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Do this instead: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before every showing, turn on all the lights, even lamps and closet lights. A well-lit home feels larger, warmer, and more inviting.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-make-every-house-showing-count\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make every house showing count<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparing your home for showings might take effort, but it can pay off in a big way. From a spotless kitchen to a well-lit living room, every detail shapes how buyers perceive your space, and whether they can imagine themselves living there.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When in doubt, lean on your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/real-estate-agents\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for expert guidance, they know what today\u2019s buyers are looking for and how to make your home stand out.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-house-showing-faqs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">House showing FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-long-do-house-showings-usually-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do house showings usually last?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most private showings last between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the size of the home and the buyer\u2019s interest. Open houses may run for 1\u20133 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt; Dive in:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/signs-a-showing-went-well\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9 Telltale Signs a Home Showing Went Well<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-should-i-be-home-during-a-showing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should I be home during a showing?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. Sellers should always leave during showings to give buyers space to explore freely and imagine themselves living in the home.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-much-notice-will-i-get-before-a-showing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much notice will I get before a showing?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It varies. Some buyers schedule days in advance, while others request same-day or even last-minute showings. Staying flexible can increase your chances of a quicker sale.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-should-i-do-with-pets-during-showings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What should I do with pets during showings?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whenever possible, take pets with you or arrange for them to stay elsewhere. If that\u2019s not an option, secure them in a crate or a separate area and let your agent know.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-if-i-can-t-keep-my-home-spotless-every-day\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What if I can\u2019t keep my home spotless every day?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on maintaining a \u201cshow-ready\u201d baseline: make beds, clear counters, take out trash, and do quick daily tidying. Keep a checklist to make last-minute prep easier.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-do-virtual-showings-replace-in-person-ones\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do virtual showings replace in-person ones?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Virtual showings are helpful, especially for long-distance buyers, but most serious buyers will still want to see a home in person before making an offer.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To prepare for a house showing, clean thoroughly, declutter, and create a space buyers can picture themselves living in. The goal is to make your home look its absolute best every time someone walks through the door. 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