Does an occupied home need to stay perfectly clean during showings?

It does not have to be perfect, but it should stay close to how it looked when it was staged. Buyers form impressions quickly, and dirty dishes, unmade beds or cluttered counters can undo the effort and expense of staging.

A simple daily routine helps. Make beds, wipe counters, empty trash, put away personal items and keep bathrooms tidy. Store a basket or bin where you can quickly collect stray items before a showing. Pets and their supplies should be out of sight when possible.

It can be tiring for families, especially with children or pets, so talk with your agent about scheduling showings in a way that is manageable. Some sellers stay with friends or relatives during the first busy days of a listing to make it easier.