First of all, I would like to say hats off to my sellers. Unless you have recently sold a home that you are currently living in, you (like me) probably don't realize what a strain it is to always have it show-ready!
I encourage my sellers to be as flexible as possible about showings and that includes being able to accommodate, whenever possible, short notice. It's no small task, and they should be commended for the great job they do, especially when kids and pets are involved.
How do they do it? I keep track of their ideas for minimizing the strain of keeping the house looking its best, and here are their top three ideas for amazing looking homes. 
1) The Magic Eraser: If you haven't tried this sponge cleaner from Mr. Clean, you must. Without even trying, it removes dirt from counters, cabinets, woodwork, refrigerators, sinks, etc. It quickly lifts every speck of grime from everyday living.
2) The Swiffer Sweeper: Without having to take out the vacuum, the Swiffer Sweeper is a wet mop that cleans up floors and grabs pet hair from tile and wood surfaces. It's great for kitchens and bathrooms and can be used on wood floors with polyurethane finishes (not on waxed or raw wood).
3) Glade Wisp Flameless Candle: This product gets rid of stale odors without plugging anything into an electrical outlet or lighting any candles. It's battery-operated and looks like a candle, so it not only provides a fresh scent but also creates some ambience.
I am not endorsing any particular product, and they are many similar products on the market which probably work just as well. But my sellers swear by them for making it easy to get ready for showings on short notice.
I would love to hear other suggestions about what works for you, and I'll be glad to pass those on to others as well.
Did you enjoy this post? Click here to subscribe to my blog by email.
Peggy Chirico, REALTOR®
Serving the Greater Hartford Area
Prudential CT Realty
peggychirico@gmail.com
860-748-8900
If you are buying or selling a home in Hartford County or Tolland County, please call me, email me, or visit my website. I would be happy to help you with your home search or provide a market analysis for your home.
Find your dream home now!
Great ideas. Also having a couple of rubbermaid baskets with lids to throw items into, the daily paper or magazines, the kids toys, etc. Realy quick clean up with a lid and the buyers don't ever seem to mind seeing the boxes.
Great ideas. I have used the magic eraser many times. I carry one with me at all times!
Great ideas....I use the magic eraser but hadn't thought of telling my sellers about it!!
Peggy those are certainly ideas well worth sharing. Keeping a house show ready is not easy, and Sellers can use all the suggestions that they can get.
Sarasota Choice Homes - I love baskets for that - great idea.
Hi Randi - I just learned that you can use the Magic Eraser to remove white deodorant marks from clothes! Amazing!
Hi Deborah - Thanks for reblogging.
Hi George - You are right that it's not easy and even people who aren't selling can use the ideas to clean up quickly for unexpected company!
Great post, great ideas, great presentation.
I wish you all the best!