18 House Showing Do’s and Don’ts to Help Your Home Stand Out

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.

Whether you’re selling your home in Carrollton, TX or Goodyear, AZ, being ready for showings is key to a successful sale. In this Redfin article, we’ll 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.

What is a house showing? 

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. It’s one of the most important parts of the home-selling process because it gives buyers a chance to experience the home beyond photos and listings.

Do:

Know what type of showing is scheduled (open house vs. private)

Be prepared to leave the home for in-person showings

Don’t:

✘ Show up during the showing

✘ Assume virtual tours are a replacement for in-person viewings

Traditional private showings

The most common type, these are one-on-one tours arranged through a buyer’s agent. They’re 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.

Open houses

Hosted by your listing agent, 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’t yet scheduled a private tour.

>> Check out: The Ultimate Open House Checklist for Sellers

Broker opens

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.

Virtual showings or 3D tours

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.

Self-guided showings

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.

House showing do’s

When it comes to showing your home, first impressions aren’t just important, they’re everything. Use these do’s to make sure your space looks clean, inviting, and move-in ready every time a buyer walks through the door.

1. Clean like you mean it

Buyers notice the details. Before your first showing, do a thorough clean from top to bottom.

• Scrub bathrooms and kitchen surfaces
• Dust baseboards, shelves, and ceiling fans
• Mop floors, vacuum carpets, and clean windows

2. Declutter every room

Clutter can make even spacious rooms feel small. Clear surfaces, pack away extras, and simplify each room’s layout.

• Remove countertop items in kitchens and bathrooms
• Organize open shelves or stash belongings in labeled bins
• Pre-pack off-season clothes, decor, or rarely used items

3. Let in the light

Bright homes feel bigger and more welcoming.

• Open all blinds and curtains
• Replace dim bulbs with daylight LEDs
• Add floor or table lamps in dark corners to boost brightness

4. Tidy up the exterior

Curb appeal starts before buyers even open the door. A tidy exterior shows your home is well cared for.

• Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and sweep the porch
• Add a fresh doormat and potted plant by the entry
• Clean windows and consider touching up chipped paint or scuffed trim

5. Eliminate odors

Scent is one of the first things buyers notice.

• Take out the trash and clean out the fridge
• Avoid cooking strong-smelling foods before a showing
• Air out rooms and use a subtle, neutral air freshener if needed

>> Read: The Best Scents for Your Home: A Room-by-Room Guide

6. Set the scene

Help buyers understand how each room can be used, especially in open-concept layouts.

• Arrange furniture to highlight flow and functionality
• Add a few cozy touches like pillows or a folded throw blanket
• Avoid over-staging or anything that feels forced

7. Make a quick exit plan

Showings often happen with little notice. Have a plan so you can tidy up and leave fast.

• Keep a basket nearby for last-minute clutter grabs
• Have pet leashes, bags, and supplies ready to go
• Wipe down surfaces and do a quick once-over before you head out

8. Safeguard your valuables

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.

• Lock up jewelry, watches, electronics, and cash
• Store prescription medications and important documents out of sight
• Avoid leaving mail, checkbooks, or anything with sensitive info on display

9. Use a lockbox for agent-only access

Only allow licensed real estate agents to schedule and access your home through a secure lockbox or showing service. 

This ensures:

• All showings are tracked
• Entry is limited to qualified buyers and professionals
• Your home stays secure during every visit

10. Keep pets out of the way

Even the friendliest pets can cause stress or be a distraction to potential buyers.

• Take pets with you during the showing if possible
• If not, confine them to a crate or safe, contained space
• Clean up any pet hair, toys, or litter boxes beforehand

11. Consider exterior cameras (but know the rules)

Visible security cameras or smart doorbells can give you peace of mind, but be mindful.

• Some states have laws around recording audio or video during private showings
• Use cameras for safety, not to monitor or eavesdrop on buyers

12. Don’t disclose too much

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.

Don’ts to avoid when showing your home

It’s 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.

13. Don’t stay home during the showing

Do this instead: 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.

14. Don’t overlook lingering odors

Do this instead: Address the source of smells, whether it’s pets, trash, or musty air. Open windows when possible and use subtle, neutral air fresheners, less is more.

15. Don’t make the space too personal 

Do this instead: Even if you’ve 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.

16. Don’t skip small repairs

Do this instead: Tighten loose knobs, replace burned-out bulbs, fix leaky faucets, and silence squeaky doors. These tiny flaws can add up in a buyer’s mind and suggest poor maintenance.

17. Don’t limit showing availability

Do this instead: Be as flexible as possible, even for last-minute or after-work showings. The more buyers who can see your home, the faster it’s likely to sell.

18. Don’t forget about lighting

Do this instead: Before every showing, turn on all the lights, even lamps and closet lights. A well-lit home feels larger, warmer, and more inviting.

Make every house showing count

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. 

When in doubt, lean on your real estate agent for expert guidance, they know what today’s buyers are looking for and how to make your home stand out.

House showing FAQs

How long do house showings usually last?

Most private showings last between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the size of the home and the buyer’s interest. Open houses may run for 1–3 hours.

>> Dive in: 9 Telltale Signs a Home Showing Went Well

Should I be home during a showing?

No. Sellers should always leave during showings to give buyers space to explore freely and imagine themselves living in the home.

How much notice will I get before a showing?

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.

What should I do with pets during showings?

Whenever possible, take pets with you or arrange for them to stay elsewhere. If that’s not an option, secure them in a crate or a separate area and let your agent know.

What if I can’t keep my home spotless every day?

Focus on maintaining a “show-ready” baseline: make beds, clear counters, take out trash, and do quick daily tidying. Keep a checklist to make last-minute prep easier.

Do virtual showings replace in-person ones?

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.

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