What Should You Do Before Your First Showing?
A Seller’s Guide to Making a Great First Impression in Any Market
Getting ready for your first home showing can feel a little like preparing for a job interview—nerves, expectations, and the pressure to make a great first impression. Whether you’re selling in a hot market or a slower season, the first showing is a critical moment. Buyers often make up their minds within minutes of walking through the door.
So how do you ensure your home looks its best from day one? Here’s a step-by-step guide to everything sellers should do before their first showing—no matter the market conditions.
Why is the first showing so important?
First impressions matter. Most buyers start forming opinions about a home within the first 60 seconds of entering. If your home feels clean, fresh, well-maintained, and move-in ready, you're far more likely to receive strong offers—and quickly.
In Edmond’s competitive real estate market, where buyers often compare multiple homes in a weekend, it’s especially important to stand out right away. That first showing could be your only shot to win someone over.
What are the must-do cleaning and decluttering tasks?
Before your first showing, your home needs to look and feel like a blank canvas—but still warm and inviting. Here are the essential steps:
1. Deep Clean Everything
This includes floors, baseboards, windows, ceiling fans, kitchen appliances, and bathrooms. Don’t forget overlooked areas like light switches, air vents, and grout. Clean homes signal that the property has been cared for.
2. Declutter Every Room
Clear off counters, bookshelves, and tabletops. Remove excess furniture to help rooms feel larger. Pack away personal items like family photos, excessive décor, and knickknacks. Less is always more when selling.
3. Organize Closets and Cabinets
Yes—buyers open them. A tidy linen closet or spacious pantry shows off storage potential. If you’re tight on space, consider temporarily storing items off-site.
How can you improve curb appeal before buyers even walk inside?
Curb appeal sets the tone. Buyers often drive by before even scheduling a showing, and their reaction to the exterior influences how they perceive the interior.
Key curb appeal tasks before your first showing:
Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and edge walkways.
Power wash siding, driveways, and porches.
Repaint the front door or update hardware if needed.
Add fresh mulch and seasonal plants for a pop of color.
Ensure the house number is visible and lighting works.
Pro Tip: Even small touches like a clean welcome mat or potted plants near the entrance can make a big difference.
Should you stage your home—even if it’s already furnished?
Staging isn’t just about adding furniture; it’s about creating a lifestyle buyers can imagine themselves living in. In many cases, that means editing what you already have.
Simple staging tips before your first showing:
Create defined spaces (e.g., reading nook, breakfast area).
Use neutral tones and light-colored bedding or towels.
Add fresh flowers or greenery to bring in warmth.
Let in natural light—open blinds and use soft lamps.
Remove rugs that make rooms feel smaller or busier.
In Edmond’s current market, staged homes tend to sell faster and for more money, especially when competing with new construction or model homes.
What final steps should you take right before buyers arrive?
Right before the showing, it’s all about ambiance and accessibility. You want buyers to feel comfortable and welcomed.
Final showing checklist:
Take pets with you or arrange for them to be out of the home.
Turn on lights in every room, even during the day.
Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light.
Set a comfortable temperature.
Leave soft background music playing quietly (optional).
Empty trash bins and put away dishes or laundry.
Leave the home at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
Buyers need space and time to explore without distractions or pressure, so it’s best to make yourself scarce during the showing.
Why does prepping for your first showing matter more in Edmond?
In a market like Edmond, where buyers are often well-informed and comparing multiple homes at once, your first impression sets the tone for every conversation that follows. Whether you're in a hot-selling neighborhood like Iron Horse Ranch or listing a starter home near UCO, the way your property presents on Day 1 could determine how long it stays on the market.
If you want your home to compete with others nearby, preparation before the first showing isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Who can help you nail your first showing?
Preparing for a showing can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. The Justiz League Real Estate Team has helped hundreds of Edmond homeowners sell smarter, faster, and with less stress. From pre-listing prep to pricing strategy and staging support, they know what today’s buyers want—and how to position your home for maximum impact on the first showing and beyond.
If a first showing can make or break a sale, what are you doing to make sure your home leaves a lasting impression?
