Lee Tessier is bringing a potential buyer to your home in 15 minutes. What can you do to make your home presentable in such short time? Follow these quick tips to get your home ready for its best showing when you have 30 minutes or less.

Start at the beginning:

• Make sure that the front door presents well.
• Sweep steps, if needed.
• Pick up any toys, tools or other out-of-place objects and store them away quickly.

Head inside:

• Open window treatments and turn on the lights.
• Put any dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
• Make the beds.
• Put any dirty laundry inside the washing machine.

If you still have time:

• Quickly run the vacuum and/or sweeper to give carpets and floors a fresh look.
• Wipe down counters and tabletops.
• Warm some vanilla in the microwave or sprinkle some cinnamon in a small dish of water and warm that in the microwave or on the stove – either one will give your home a welcoming scent.
• Put some soft music on – it helps the buyer feel more “at home” as they look.

Other tips to help:

• If you have children, buy an extra large storage bin with lid to keep in the living room or playroom. You’ll be able to quickly drop items in there for a clean and clear living space.
• If you have pets who like to be on furniture, drape a sheet or towel over their favorite resting space. Just before the showing, you can take it off, drop in the washer and the furniture will be spotless – no pet hair!
• Remember that buyers look in closets to see what the storage space is like – if you have things you need to tuck away quickly, put them under the bed or in a dresser drawer. It will help keep all spaces presentable for your potential buyer.

It would be wonderful to have your home in showcase condition 24 hours a day, but that is unrealistic for most. It is important to present your house in the best light and make it available to as many qualified buyers as possible.