Preparing Your Home For a Showing

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR A SHOWING – A CRITICAL PART OF THE SALE PROCESS

Presentation matters—more than it should, perhaps, but psychology plays a powerful role in real estate. Buyers don’t just assess square footage or location; they respond emotionally to how a home feels. A clean, bright, uncluttered space that evokes warmth and familiarity often wins out, even when two properties are otherwise equal.

That emotional edge can be the deciding factor. A well-prepared home—inviting, fresh, and subtly nostalgic—can tip the scales and secure a better price. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a connection. Preparing your home for a showing isn’t optional—it’s essential.

FIRSTLY – OPEN HOUSES vs HOUSE SHOWINGS

In many countries, public Open Houses are a standard part of selling real estate. They invite groups of potential buyers—qualified or simply curious—to walk through a property during set hours. While efficient, they often attract casual visitors with no real intent to buy.

In Costa Rica, this model is rarely used. When someone mentions an Open House here, they’re usually referring to a viewing for real estate agents. Agents from different companies tour the home, inspect the furnishings and grounds, and gather details to share with their clients. The seller’s agent is on-site to answer questions and distribute brochures.

The true Costa Rican equivalent is the House Showing. These are private, one-on-one visits where a potential buyer tours the property with both the seller’s and buyer’s agents. No crowds, no distractions—just a focused opportunity to experience the home. This article centers on that kind of showing, where serious interest meets personalized attention.

SECONDLY – TO RENT OR NOT TO RENT?

Many sellers in Costa Ballena don’t live in their homes full-time. Some return to their home countries, while others spend only part of the year in Costa Rica. With high demand and attractive rental rates, it’s tempting to lease the property to local families, expats, or vacationers.

But renting during the selling process comes with trade-offs. Showings require coordination, and renters may not maintain the home in a clean, inviting state. Most are respectful and tidy, but we’ve seen exceptions—messy interiors, scheduling conflicts, and missed opportunities when serious buyers move on.

Ultimately, it’s a personal decision. Homeowners should weigh the financial benefits of renting against the potential risks to the sale. Clean showings and flexible access often make all the difference

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR A SHOWING?

There’s a high-level overview of how to elevate your home’s presentation before a showing—no checklists, just core principles that make a real impact:

🧼 Clean and Scrub

Clean everything—walls, floors, windows, tiles, furniture, fixtures, appliances, and outdoor pieces. Don’t forget the hidden spots: cracks, corners, handles, knobs, and levers. Every surface should sparkle.

🧹 Tidy and Declutter

Keep counters and tables clear. Hide everyday items like toasters, paper towels, dish soap, and toothbrushes. Minimize furniture and personal effects. The goal isn’t sterility—it’s simplicity. A clean fruit bowl or fresh flowers can add warmth without clutter.

🎨 Add Accents

Once the clutter is gone, layer in comfort. Thoughtfully placed pillows, candles, books, and vases create a lived-in, welcoming feel. These accents help buyers imagine themselves in the space—relaxed, at home, and ready to move in.

🐾 Pets

Max and Luna need a little adventure while your home is being shown. Remove all signs of pets—beds, toys, bowls, litter trays. A clean, neutral space helps buyers focus on the home, not its current residents.

🚗 Vehicles

Move all cars, bikes, and other vehicles off the property. This opens up the parking area, reduces visual clutter, and lets buyers picture their own car in the space. It also makes room for agents and visitors to park comfortably.

🌬️ Temperature

Turn on the AC to create a cool, comfortable atmosphere. Costa Ballena’s heat and humidity are always present, so a refreshing indoor climate makes a strong impression.

💡 Lighting

Switch on all lights, open curtains and blinds, and clear skylights of leaves. Brighten any dim corners with stronger bulbs or extra fixtures. A well-lit home feels bigger, cleaner, and more welcoming.

🌿 Grounds and First Impressions

Exterior presentation matters just as much as the interior. Cut the grass, trim hedges, and remove fallen branches, fruit, and coconuts. Power-wash the driveway, walkway, and parking area. Clear away clutter—tools, toys, drying racks, construction materials, and garden supplies. A tidy yard sets the tone before anyone steps inside.

🪴 Outdoor Living Spaces

Treat patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens like indoor rooms. Sweep thoroughly, organize furniture, and polish surfaces. Clean grills, tables, chairs, and lounges. These areas should feel inviting, functional, and well cared for.

🐜 Pest Control

We live in the tropics—critters come with the territory. Apply fresh pest control before listing the home. Ants in the kitchen or a rogue roach during a showing can ruin the mood. Keep things clean, calm, and critter-free.

🏡 Ancillary Structures

Treat every structure on your property with care. Pools, Jacuzzis, gazebos, guest homes, sheds, and garages should look just as polished as the main house. Skim the pool, sweep the gazebo, tidy the shed, and declutter the garage. These spaces add value—make sure they shine.

🔧 Minor Repairs

Fix the small stuff before the first showing. Leaky taps, creaky doors, cracked windows, torn screens, and stained furniture may seem minor, but they leave a lasting impression. Buyers notice everything, and small flaws can cast doubt on overall upkeep.

🔐 Valuables

Play it safe. Store cash, jewelry, watches, electronics, and even that prized bottle of whiskey in a secure place. Showings involve multiple people—better to be cautious and keep your valuables tucked away.

ENGAGE THE FIVE SENSES

To truly captivate a potential buyer, engage all five senses. When a home feels immersive and emotionally resonant, it becomes easier for someone to imagine living there. Here’s how to fine-tune each sensory detail:

🦜 SOUND

If your home features natural soundscapes—like rivers, waterfalls, ocean waves, or jungle wildlife—let them speak for themselves. They’re priceless. Otherwise, play soft ambient music or nature tracks at low volume. This helps mask road noise and creates a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Choose relaxing, unobtrusive sounds that allow for easy conversation.

 💐SMELL

Scent is powerful. Use fragrant flowers, citrus fruits, or lightly scented candles to evoke warmth and cleanliness. Baking cookies or bread adds a nostalgic touch. But go easy—strong artificial scents can overwhelm or raise suspicion. Stick to light, natural aromas like lemon, jasmine, cinnamon, or vanilla. A freshly cleaned home often smells best.

🍪 TASTE

Offering refreshments isn’t essential, but it adds a thoughtful touch. Cool drinks and light snacks—especially with vegetarian options—can make visitors feel welcome. If time allows, fresh-baked cookies or bread can elevate the experience and reinforce that “homey” feeling.

🧹 TOUCH

Buyers will interact with surfaces—chairs, countertops, switches, doorknobs, faucets, and appliances. Make sure everything feels clean, smooth, and well-maintained. A dusty chair or sticky handle can leave a lasting negative impression. Polish and sanitize all high-contact areas before each showing.

👀 SIGHT

Visual appeal starts at the gate and continues through every room. Keep the house bright, clean, and uncluttered. Ensure landscaping is tidy and inviting. Every visible detail—from the driveway to the back patio—should reflect care and pride. A polished presentation sets the tone for everything else.

By aligning these sensory cues, you create an experience—not just a walkthrough. That emotional connection can be the key to turning interest into a sale.

FINAL DOs and DONTs

Let’s look at a few important details which we share based on our own experience:

🚫 DON’T  smoke inside the house. Also, don’t leave any ashtrays within sight.

🚫 DON’T hang around the house during the showing – it is best if the seller is not present so that the buyer may inspect the property and make enquiries without any reservation. Go to a café, restaurant, or the beach during the scheduled showing time.

✅ Close all toilet lids in the house. It makes for a sleeker & cleaner look.

✅ Ensure all toilet paper rolls are new and full. Details matter!

✅ Flip on all the lights in the house and set the AC to a comfortable temperature.

✅ Ensure all waste bins are empty and lined with fresh trash bags. Again, details matter!

✅ Ask your renters, if present, to leave the house during the showing period if possible.

✅ Provide your real estate agent with the keys and, if applicable, valid and current property entry codes. This is especially important if your home is in a gated community – in that case also ensure the management and security are aware of visitors. We speak from experience as being denied access to homes or gated communities due to expired codes has happened more times that necessary!

✅ Sweep any outdoor paths and steps including those that lead into natural areas like jungles, streams and swim-holes. Don’t ask us why but this makes a huge difference!

RE/MAX WE SELL PARADISE has been serving clients for over 13 years – our extensive knowledge and experience, together with a diverse staff and all the benefits of a global corporation, make us a trusted partner for all of your real estate related needs.