An open house is a great way to showcase your home, and an opportunity for many people to view your home at once! Are you thinking of holding an open house soon? Read a few of our tips below to get your home ready!
Curb Appeal is Key:The first thing a prospective buyer notices about a home is the front yard. Cut the grass, trim the hedges, rake the leaves, sweep the side-walks, and power-wash the driveway. If appropriate for the season, include a few potted flowers to brighten up the entryway!
De-Clutter: A cluttered room can appear too small to buyers. Go through each room and divide belongings into two piles: “keep” and “give up.” Items in your “keep” pile will be used to stage the room, while those in the “give up” pile should be stored elsewhere, or better yet given away or donated. You are not selling your things or trying to impress anyone with them. You are attempting to sell your space and buyers can’t visualize themselves or their own things there when there is too much of your stuff in the room. Don’t forget about the outdoor spaces too – de-clutter potted plants, kids’ toys, gardening items, outdoor furniture and accessories…as well.
Make your place “Q-Tip clean”:A properly staged home should be immaculate, or “Q-Tip clean.” This could mean using Q-tips to clean dead flies out of a windowsill or going around the bottom of the toilet on the floor. The purpose of an immaculate house is more than just making it presentable. If a home is messy or dirty, a buyer may wonder what else about the property hasn’t been cared for, like major or minor maintenance items.
Check the Temperature: In winter, a warm home is always more inviting than one that has people reaching for their coats. On a hot summer day a cool home can be a welcoming oasis to weary home buyers. In warmer weather have windows open for fresh air to filter in if it is not too hot outside!
Light it up:Open blinds and window coverings, and turn on all lights. Doing so will help make your living spaces feel bigger, and specially placed lighting can showcase special aspects of the home. It may also be appropriate to have fireplaces and candles lit to create a cozy environment.
Welcome your neighbors: Some sellers are against holding open houses as they can be a magnet for “nosy neighbors.” While this may be the case at times, your neighbors are also a great resource to help get your home sold. Make them feel welcome by letting them know ahead of time that the open house is scheduled, and invite them to come check it out! The more eyes that see your house, the better – and you never know, they may know just the right buyer.