5 Ways to Get Ready for Your Open House
Once you’ve decided to put your house up for sale, your real estate agent may advise you to hold an open house as a way to invite potential buyers in and showcase the property’s best features. Here are some tips to make the most of your open house.
1. Clean and Declutter
Buyers don’t want to come in to a prospective home and be greeted with piles of laundry, dusty fans, or irrelevant (to them) knick-knacks. They want to see a tranquil space that they can picture themselves moving right into, and that means cutting out any personal items that could be seen as clutter by others. Experts actually advise boxing up half of your belongings. Yes—half! Remove picture frames, put out-of-season clothes into storage, and pull out unnecessary furniture. Ask a friend or neighbor if you can borrow a little garage space, or rent a storage unit if you have to. Make sure that closets and cabinets are clean and organized, because buyers will most certainly look inside. And because we all tend to be blind to certain dirty spots, it might be wise to hire a professional cleaner to do a deep clean service before the big day.
2. Spruce Up the Exterior
First impressions count, and in the real estate world that includes curb appeal. Pull any stray weeds, trim hedges, and lay fresh mulch if necessary. Make sure your front door is inviting (no cobwebs!) and light fixtures are clean. Because of our salty air, it’s a good idea to give windows a thorough wash on the outside, and you may want to consider doing an exterior wash to remove grime from the siding or stucco (available as a hose attachment). Make sure your house numbers are attractive and visible from the road. And you might even want to purchase a new welcome mat, just to give your threshold that final touch!
3. Make Necessary Repairs
Again, buyers are impressed when they can envision themselves moving right in, so now is the time to tackle those pesky projects you’ve been putting off. Patch up any holes in drywall, touch up any scuffed paint, and fix any drippy faucets. Re-caulk the bathtubs, if necessary, and add lubricant to sliding glass doors and hinges. Take a walk from room to room and scrutinize all the little “problems” that buyers might notice, then eliminate them.
4. Move Out the Pets
Realtors agree that it’s more difficult to sell a home with pets, so it’s a good idea to move Fido and Mittens to someone else’s house for your open house. You’ll also want to get rid of food dishes, pet beds, litter boxes, and any other animal gear before buyers arrive. Remember—this is just temporary!
5. Neutralize the Air—And Yourself!
Every house has its own signature smell, which is not good or bad necessarily. But buyers are looking for a blank canvas, and that includes the air. Before the open house guests show up, make sure to open the windows and spray air neutralizers to make things as fresh as possible. (Do NOT spray scents, as that can be unpleasant to some people!) Now, take a deep breath, and let go emotionally of your home. It’s time to move on to a new chapter—embrace it!
Are you ready to put your home on the market? Let us help you set the stage for success at open houses and showings alike. Our team is always available to answer any of your home selling questions.
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