While digital marketing and virtual tours have been an increasingly important part of the home-sale process, these days, they’re critical. And, as these strategies become more sophisticated and effective, consumers will come to expect them long after the threat of the coronavirus has passed.

Meanwhile, as states reopen for business, in-person showings will begin to ramp up as restrictions begin to lift. If you’re listing your home for sale, here are five important steps you should take to make sure it’s primed for both live and virtual tours:

1. Change or remove your window treatments. You’ll need as much light as possible to effectively showcase your home in a video…and in-person as well, so make sure blinds and shades are up and heavy drapery is pushed open. You might want to consider removing window treatments altogether to really maximize natural light.

2. Turn on all the lights. Taking this step will add even more light to your virtual tour and, for in-person showings, help keep buyers and your family safe by allowing them to avoid touching light switches.
 
3. Open doors. Open any interior space a buyer is likely to be interested in seeing prior to any in-person home tour, such as kitchen cabinets, closets and storage units. This will help prevent the spread of germs throughout your home.
 
4. Make sure your landscaping is in prime shape. With more homebuyers searching online or doing drive-bys to check out homes, your outside area is more important than ever. A manicured lawn and colorful plantings will jump out from the curb or in a video.
 
5. Have protection available. Talk to your real estate agent to make sure protective gear is readily available for in-person buyers, including gloves, masks and booties. This helps keep everyone involved safe, and takes the onus off of prospective homebuyers to come prepared.