How should Markham sellers prepare for showings?Good showings come down to five things: lock away valuables and private information, have a plan for pets, turn on every light and open the blinds, make the home easy to book and enter, and use buyer feedback to adjust quickly. Most showings are booked through your agent’s showing system, which records who visited and when. Homes that are easy to show tend to get more showings, and in a market with 1,122 active Markham listings in September 2026, every showing counts.
Price and photos bring buyers to the door. What they find when they walk in, and how easy it was to get there, often decides whether they come back.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, sets up a showing plan with every seller before the listing goes live.
Security
- Lock away jewellery, cash, keys, medications and small electronics.
- Put away mail, bills, passports and anything with personal information.
- Remove family photos with children’s names or schools if you prefer privacy.
- Use a secure lockbox, and let your agent manage access through the showing system.
- Check that doors and windows are locked after each showing.
Pets
- Take pets with you or arrange daycare during showings when possible.
- If a pet must stay, crate it and note it in the showing instructions.
- Put away bowls, litter boxes and toys, and clean up the yard.
- Deal with pet odours before listing; buyers notice them quickly.
Lighting and comfort
- Turn on every light, including lamps and under-cabinet lights.
- Open blinds and curtains during the day.
- Replace burnt-out or mismatched bulbs.
- Keep the home at a comfortable temperature.
- In winter, light the front walk and clear snow and ice.
Getting ready for showings?
Michael John Lau can set up a showing plan and weekly feedback for your listing.
Book a seller consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Access
| Choice | Effect |
|---|---|
| Wide showing windows | More buyers can fit you in |
| Short notice accepted | Catches buyers touring several homes |
| Clear instructions | Fewer mistakes with alarms, pets and keys |
| Occupant leaves during showings | Buyers relax and stay longer |
Using buyer feedback
Ask your agent to follow up with buyer agents after each showing and share a weekly summary. One comment is an opinion; the same comment from several buyers is information. Common feedback about price, condition or a specific room points to a clear next step. See the seller’s pricing playbook.
A quick pre-showing checklist
- Lights on, blinds open.
- Valuables and papers locked away.
- Beds made, counters clear, garbage out.
- Pets out or secured.
- Walkway clear and front door clean.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information to make every showing count.
Easy, bright, secure showings bring buyers back for a second look. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Should I leave during showings?
Usually yes. Buyers feel more comfortable and stay longer when sellers are not home.
What should I lock away before a showing?
Valuables, keys, medications, mail and documents with personal information.
What do I do with pets during showings?
Take them out if possible; otherwise crate them and note it in the showing instructions.
How much notice should I ask for?
A few hours is common. Wider windows and shorter notice usually mean more showings.
How do I get buyer feedback?
Your agent can follow up with buyer agents after each showing and share a summary.
Should lights be on during daytime showings?
Yes. Turn on every light and open blinds, even during the day.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Active listings are from TRREB Market Watch (September 2026). Showing practices are general guidance. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
