What to Do When You Get a Last-Minute Showing Request: A Quick-Prep Guide for Sellers

Every seller has been there — you're in the middle of your day when a call or text comes through: A buyer wants to see your home… and they’re hoping to stop by soon.

If you’re selling your home in Bakersfield or anywhere in Kern County, these last-minute showings can feel inconvenient, but they’re often some of the most valuable opportunities you’ll receive. Buyers who request immediate access are usually serious, motivated, and actively searching for a home. Turning them away could mean turning away your strongest chance at an offer.

The good news? With a simple system in place, you can make your home look polished and welcoming in as little as 10–15 minutes. This quick routine is designed for real-life sellers — busy schedules and all.

Why You Should Never Turn Down a Showing

It may be tempting to decline a last-minute showing when life is hectic — but doing so can come at a cost.

When you tell a buyer “no,” there is no guarantee they’ll reschedule. In fact, many don’t. Motivated buyers typically plan a series of showings in one trip. If your home isn’t available when they’re out touring, they may move on to other properties, find “the one,” and never circle back.

Every showing request represents a real opportunity.
And every time you turn one down, you might be turning down an offer as well.

Even if the timing isn’t ideal, saying “yes” keeps your home in the running — and ensures you don’t miss out on a buyer who may be ready to write.

1. Clear visible clutter — quickly and strategically

When buyers walk into your home, the first thing they notice isn’t the square footage or the finishes — it’s whether the space feels open, calm, and well cared for. Visible clutter instantly disrupts that impression. Everyday items like mail, backpacks, toys, pet accessories, water bottles, and phone chargers may seem harmless, but they visually shrink a room and make the home feel busier than it is.

The key is to focus on the areas buyers see first: the entryway, kitchen, living room, hallways, and primary bedroom. These spaces set the tone for the entire showing.

Pro tip: Keep two or three empty laundry baskets or canvas bins ready to go. When a last-minute showing pops up, do a quick sweep of each room and toss loose items inside. Don’t worry about sorting — this is not the moment for organizing. Simply gather everything fast, carry the baskets to the garage, and set them out of sight. Buyers don’t judge garage clutter, but they will notice clutter inside the home.

Next, turn your attention to the kitchen. Wipe down the counters and remove as much as possible: small appliances, mail, dish racks, spice containers, and food items. Clear surfaces make the kitchen feel larger, brighter, and cleaner — three qualities buyers love. The goal is to make your kitchen look more like the one in a model home: simple, inviting, and spacious.

Taking just a few minutes to declutter key areas immediately changes the energy of your home and helps buyers focus on what really matters — the space itself.

2. Make all beds — neatly

A well-made bed instantly elevates the entire look of a bedroom. It signals cleanliness, calm, and care — all qualities buyers want to feel when they walk into a space where they imagine themselves sleeping and unwinding. Even if the rest of the room is simple, a neatly made bed becomes the focal point and creates a polished, inviting atmosphere.

Surprisingly, many people aren’t sure how to make a bed in a way that photographs well or feels “show-ready.” Here’s a quick method that works every time:

• Start by smoothing the sheets and comforter. Pull everything tight so there are no wrinkles or bunching.

• Fluff your pillows so they look full and supportive, then stand them upright against the headboard.

• Layer decorative pillows or shams in front of your sleeping pillows. Two to four is plenty — simple and symmetrical looks best.

• Straighten your throw blanket or fold it neatly at the foot of the bed for an extra touch of texture and warmth.

• Check both sides of the bed to make sure the comforter hangs evenly and isn’t dragging on one side.

This one step makes a world of difference. A crisp, hotel-like bed instantly transforms the bedroom into a peaceful retreat, helping buyers picture themselves settling in and making the home their own.

3. Empty all trashcans

Kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms — empty every trashcan in the house, even if they’re barely full. Trash is one of the quickest ways for odors to linger, and buyers pick up on scents immediately when they walk through the door. 

Taking a minute to empty every bin helps your home feel cleaner, fresher, and better maintained. It also gives buyers the impression that the property has been well cared for, which is incredibly important during showings. 

4. Turn on every light and open all blinds

Good lighting is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to improve how your home shows. Bright homes feel more spacious, more inviting, and more updated — and buyers notice the difference instantly. Rooms that appear dim or shadowed can feel smaller and less welcoming, even if they’re a great size.

Before a showing, take a quick walk through your home and turn on every source of light: overhead fixtures, lamps, pendant lights, accent lighting, and vanity lights in bathrooms. This eliminates dark corners and creates an even, warm glow throughout the space.

Next, open every blind and curtain to bring in as much natural light as possible. Natural light adds depth, makes colors look truer, and gives your home that bright, airy feeling buyers love. If you have shutters, tilt them open to allow sunlight in while keeping the look clean and intentional.

This combination of artificial and natural lighting creates a balanced, energized atmosphere. It makes rooms appear larger, highlights architectural features, and helps buyers feel instantly comfortable.e.

5. Add gentle background music

Soft, non-distracting background music helps buyers feel relaxed and comfortable as they walk through your home. Choose something instrumental, acoustic, or easy-listening — nothing that competes with conversation or pulls attention away from the space itself. Keep the volume low enough that it simply enhances the ambiance.

If you’re not sure where to start, The McCarty Group has curated a ready-to-use playlist called Showcasing Your Home: The Playlist. It features effortless, calming tracks designed to create a warm, inviting ambiance that helps buyers form an emotional connection the moment they step inside. Simply press play before you head out the door. 

6. Introduce a light, fresh scent

Scent has a powerful impact on how buyers experience your home, and a subtle, welcoming fragrance can instantly elevate the atmosphere. The key is to choose something clean and gentle — nothing strong, perfumey, or overly sweet. Strong scents can make buyers wonder if you’re trying to mask an odor, which is the opposite of what you want.

A light candle, wax warmer, or essential oil diffuser works beautifully. Soft citrus or gentle spa-like blends are all safe choices. Avoid anything too floral or heavy, especially in smaller rooms.

Place your scent source in the kitchen or great room so it disperses evenly through the main living areas. The goal is to create a pleasant “welcome” when buyers walk in — a subtle lift that makes the home feel clean, inviting, and well cared for without ever becoming distracting.

7. Do a 60-second bathroom sweep

Bathrooms leave a big impression. In one minute, you can:

• Close toilet lids

• Hang clean towels

• Wipe countertops

• Put away toothbrushes, razors, and personal items

• Straighten shower curtains

8. Hide evidence of pets

Buyers love pets — but they don’t want to sense them during a showing.
Quickly:

• Put bowls in the pantry or garage

• Hide beds and toys

• Do a fast sweep of floors to remove fur

9. Do a 30-second flooring refresh

If possible, vacuum high-traffic areas. If you’re very short on time, a quick spot-sweep of crumbs, pet hair, or dirt is enough to help the home feel cleaner and fresher.

10. Step outside — first impressions start at the curb

Take 30 seconds to tidy your entry:

• Shake off the porch mat

• Pick up stray items

• Close the garage door

• Make sure the porch light is on if it is evening time

A polished front entry tells buyers, before they even step inside, that what’s waiting for them is a home worth seeing. That first impression carries through the entire showing and sets the stage for everything that follows.

11. Leave the home a few minutes early

Buyers feel more comfortable exploring when the seller isn’t home. If possible, step out 5–10 minutes before they arrive.

Final Thoughts

Last-minute showings often bring the most motivated buyers — and every showing you accept increases your chances of receiving a strong offer. With a simple 10–15-minute routine, you can confidently prepare your home and make every showing count.

If you’re preparing to sell your home in Bakersfield or anywhere in Kern County, or you want personalized guidance on showcasing your property, The McCarty Group is here to help you every step of the way.