Showing Your Home

How to Prepare Your Home for Showings in Green Bay & Northeastern Wisconsin

Selling your home in Green Bay, De Pere, or the surrounding Fox Valley area starts with presentation. Buyers often decide how they feel about a home in the first few minutes, so small touches can make a big difference. The goal is simple: help buyers feel comfortable and picture themselves living there.

Make a Good First Impression

Buyers notice the outside first. A clean, welcoming entrance sets the tone.

• Keep your front entrance clean and tidy
• Touch up paint on doors, shutters, and trim
• Add fresh mulch or seasonal plants
• Keep walkways and landscaping neat

A well-kept exterior shows buyers the home has been cared for.

Take Care of Small Repairs

Even small things stand out. Fixing them shows buyers the home is well maintained.

• Tighten loose knobs or handles
• Fix sticking doors or broken switches
• Repaint scuffed walls (neutral colors work best)
• Clean windows and floors
• Refresh caulking in tubs and showers
• Steam clean or replace carpets if needed

None of these are big projects, but they make a noticeable difference.

Declutter and Simplify

Too much stuff can make rooms feel smaller. Clear out what you don’t need so buyers can see the space.

• Remove extra furniture
• Clear kitchen and bathroom counters
• Limit decorative items to a few simple pieces
• Organize closets and storage areas
• Open curtains to let in natural light

When rooms feel spacious and uncluttered, buyers can imagine their own things in the home.

Use Lighting to Your Advantage

Lighting affects how a home feels. A bright, well-lit home is inviting.

• Turn on all lights, day or night
• Use lamps for softer lighting in cozy areas
• Make sure darker corners are well lit
• Highlight seating areas, fireplaces, or dining spaces

Even daytime showings benefit from good lighting—it makes rooms feel warm and welcoming.

Quick Routine Before a Showing

Sometimes showings happen on short notice. A simple routine helps you get ready fast.

• Turn on all lights
• Wipe kitchen and bathroom counters
• Straighten beds
• Pick up visible clutter
• Open curtains and blinds
• Take pets with you if possible
• Leave the home during the showing

Buyers are more comfortable exploring when the home is tidy and the owners aren’t hovering.

Nine Minute Showing Drill

This checklist is perfect if a showing is scheduled at the last minute. It covers the essentials to get your home ready fast.

1. Sound: Turn off the TV and set the radio to low volume. Soft rock or classic rock works well.
2. Sight: Turn on every light in the house. Open drapes and blinds during the day.
3. Odors: Warm a frozen pastry slowly in the oven, or heat a pan and drop in a few vanilla drops.
4. Kitchen: Wipe counters and put dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
5. Bathrooms: Wipe counters, flush toilets, and close lids.
6. Living & Family Rooms: Hide magazines, newspapers, games, and clutter.
7. Bedrooms: Straighten beds. If needed, tuck clutter under the bed, not in closets.
8. Exterior: Put away toys and clutter. Keep walkways clear.
9. Children & Pets: They can be distracting—take them outside if possible.
10. Goodbye: This is the most important step: leave the home. Buyers need to picture themselves living here, and that’s harder if the current owners are present. At the very least, step outside. Better yet, run an errand.

Local Tip: Whether you’re selling in Green Bay, De Pere, or the greater Northeastern Wisconsin area, these tips help your home show its best, sell faster, and attract the right buyers. A little effort upfront can pay off big when it comes to offers.

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