12 February 2026

Introduction

Are you getting ready to sell your home and want your showings to succeed from the very first impression? Proper preparation is essential to attract buyers, highlight your property’s strengths, and close a sale quickly.

As a real estate broker in Quebec City, I help you stage your home, plan each showing, and maximize its potential in the eyes of buyers.

Looking to sell your property efficiently in Quebec City? Contact me for professional real estate brokerage services for optimal marketing and showings that inspire buyers to make an offer.

In this article, discover how to properly prepare your home for showings, step by step.

Why Is Preparation Before a Showing So Important?

A showing is often the first real meeting between a buyer and your property. Within minutes, they form an opinion… and decide whether they want to move forward.

A well-prepared home gives an impression of care and quality. It builds trust. Buyers assume that if the appearance is well maintained, the overall upkeep is too.

It is also a way to highlight the home’s strengths. Smart lighting, layout, or organization choices can completely transform the perception of a room.

Finally, good preparation helps visitors picture themselves living there. The fewer personal or cluttered items there are, the more open, functional, and welcoming the space feels.

In short: the better prepared your home is, the more likely buyers are to make an offer quickly and at a strong price.

Before Showings: What Should You Do to Prepare Your Home?

Preparing a home involves more than a quick sweep. It’s about creating a welcoming, neutral, and polished environment — a setting where buyers can easily imagine themselves living.

Here are three essential first steps not to overlook before every showing.

1. Declutter Every Room

An overcrowded space makes a home feel like it lacks storage… or worse, square footage.

Start by removing unnecessary or oversized items:

• Large furniture in small rooms
• Out-of-season winter clothing
• Sports equipment, toys, rarely used appliances

The goal is to visually open up the space.

Clear kitchen counters, tidy up surfaces, organize shelves. A decluttered room immediately feels larger, better maintained, and more pleasant to live in.

2. Deep Clean Thoroughly

A thorough cleaning is essential. A quick vacuum is not enough.

Focus on details buyers will notice at first glance:

• Floors, carpets, baseboards
• Windows and mirrors without streaks
• Door handles, switches, cabinet pulls
• Light fixtures, ceiling corners, ventilation vents

Special attention to the bathroom and kitchen: these two rooms are often decisive. They must shine. Limescale, mold, visible grease, or lingering odors can discourage even an interested buyer.

3. Depersonalize the Home

Buyers don’t want to tour your home… they want to imagine theirs.

To do that, neutralize the space:

• Remove family photos
• Avoid overly personal décor or collections
• Put away religious or strongly opinion-based items

The idea is not to empty everything, but to make the property more “universal,” easier to imagine with different furniture and lifestyles. This encourages emotional connection and interest.

4. Optimize Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in how a room is perceived. A bright space feels larger, cleaner, and more inviting.

Start by opening all curtains and blinds before each showing. Natural light is always more flattering than artificial lighting.

Also clean the windows: dirty glass can reduce perceived brightness, even on a sunny day.

In darker areas (basement, windowless bathroom, hallway), turn on the lights, even during the day. You can also add a small lamp in a dark corner to balance the lighting.

5. Fix Small Visible Defects

Small defects are often the most noticeable. Even minor issues can create a negative impression. Buyers may assume bigger problems are hidden.

Before showings, take time to correct visible details:

• Loose door handles
• Light switches that don’t work
• Holes or cracks in walls
• Sticking closet doors, loose baseboards, peeling paint

These repairs take little time and often cost very little… but they can make the difference between an offer and hesitation.

Preparing the Exterior for Showings

Before even stepping inside, buyers assess the overall condition of the property. A well-maintained exterior sends a strong message: the home has been cared for.

Make sure the entrance is clean and clear. Sweep the steps, remove leaves or snow depending on the season.

The lawn should be mowed, hedges trimmed, and the yard tidy. Think about small details like a straight mailbox, a freshly painted fence, or a clean and welcoming deck.

A strong first impression can positively influence the entire showing.

Should You Prepare Real Estate Documents Before a Showing?

In Quebec, it is not mandatory to provide inspection reports before showings. However, having certain documents ready can reassure buyers and speed up their decision.

Here are some useful documents to prepare:

• Invoices for recent renovations (roof, kitchen, windows)
• Pre-sale inspection report, if available
• Information about insulation, heating system, roof, or septic system, if applicable

Even if not required at this stage, having these documents ready shows transparency and organization — qualities buyers appreciate.

On Showing Day: Simple but Effective Tips

On the big day, every detail matters to create a positive first impression. Here are a few simple actions that can make all the difference:

• Air out the house for about 20 minutes before visitors arrive.
• Diffuse a light pleasant scent (e.g., clean laundry, fresh bread, neutral candle).
• Heat or cool the home according to the season for optimal comfort.
• Turn on all lights, even during the day, to create a warm atmosphere.
• Leave the house during the showing to allow buyers to explore freely.
• Leave a short note or brochure highlighting the property’s strengths.

These simple gestures help create a smooth, positive… and memorable showing.

Want to Sell Your Home Under the Best Conditions?

Every showing is an opportunity to impress a buyer… provided your property is presented at its very best.

As a real estate broker in Quebec City, I support you at every step to:

• Showcase your home effectively
• Organize strategic and efficient showings
• Maximize your chances of selling quickly and at the right price

Contact me now for a free property evaluation and personalized advice tailored to your local market.

Your home deserves professional marketing — I’m here to make that happen.

FAQ

When should you start preparing your home for showings?

Ideally, start preparing your home as soon as you decide to sell. This gives you time to declutter, clean, make minor repairs, and refine presentation. A home ready before the first showing builds trust and creates a stronger initial impact.

Should you completely empty the home before a showing?

No, it’s not necessary to completely empty the home. On the contrary, a furnished interior helps buyers better visualize the space. The key is to declutter and depersonalize while maintaining a warm and functional layout.

Should I be present during a property showing?

It is generally recommended not to be present during a showing. Buyers feel more comfortable asking questions, taking their time, and imagining themselves living in the property. Your broker can manage the showing and answer questions professionally and objectively.

What real estate documents are useful to show a buyer?

In Quebec, inspection reports are not mandatory, but certain documents can reassure buyers and speed up their decision:

• Invoices for major renovations
• Pre-sale inspection report (if available)
• Information about insulation, roof, plumbing, or septic system
• Energy consumption or maintenance records

Preparing these documents shows your home is well maintained and that you are transparent in your process.