As the market sees more inventory available, listed homes can have competition, and a solid open house strategy can get buyers into your home and set it apart from the rest. Thankfully, your real estate agent is taking care of everything. The broker has the yard signs and balloons ready to go. Snacks and beverages are ordered and ready for visitors. It seems like everything is ready for your open house. But what about your home, is it ready for strangers to wander through?
A quality REALTOR will recommend a few things that can be taken care of before the weekend comes. To ensure your home gives a great first impression, here’s a brief checklist to help you get started.
You don’t need to be a professional gardener or landscaper to get your yard looking its best. However, it’s not a task you want to tackle a day or two before the open house.
Mowing and raking up debris is a start. Don’t forget to add some color, it will make your house stand out. A couple of flowering container plants by the front door add color and make the house look like a welcoming abode.
Long walkways also benefit from flowering plants but don’t go overboard. The new homeowners may not want to spend the time taking care of garden plants.
It’s also a good idea to take a look at your front and garage doors to see if they need a fresh coat of paint.
The goal of the open house is for potential buyers to walk through the home and be able to see themselves living there. It’s a little difficult for buyers to envision the space as their own when the walls and other surfaces are covered with your family photos.
Don’t toss your picture frames in a drawer or closet. Potential buyers will want to see the home’s storage space. Pro tip: Grab a box or storage bin. It will keep your precious memories safe while also keeping the clutter to a minimum.
As charming and valuable as they might be, you may also want to remove any drawings and other homemade artwork from the refrigerator.
Start by taking a walk through your house and pick up any clutter laying around. It’s amazing what you may find behind couch cushions and in corners. An uncluttered home is a sellable home.
Does your home have a dedicated nursery? If so, it’s time to pick up all of the toys. Fold up the stroller and stick it in the closet or take it to the garage. You don’t have to make the small space not look like a nursery, but you want potential buyers without children to be able to easily imagine the room as a den, library, or even a space for their entertainment system.
Remember, the purpose of your open house is to let potential buyers envision the home as a place that fits their lifestyle.
Depending on the home’s size, you may want to bring in outside help. A professional cleaning crew will get your home clean and sparkling. A professional cleaning company does come at a price, so it might not be in your budget.
Vacuum and mop all floors. Don’t forget the corners and baseboards. Wipe down countertops and cabinets. It’s also a good idea to get rid of any dust. Check the heating and ac vents, you don’t want clumps of dust blowing out during the open house.
Wipe down the mirrors, faucets, and light fixtures. The better it looks, the more people are willing to pay for it.
Getting your home ready for an open house can seem like a daunting task. You want everyone to have a great first impression of your home. If you need some help getting your home ready or aren’t sure if everything is covered, talk to your real estate agent to see how they can help. And when you should plan to host the house to get maximum exposure and traffic.
For any questions about how to get ready to sell your home, talk to the experienced real estate agents at Rich Realty Group.
Call or text (919) 697-5320, or send us an email at info@richrealtygroup.com
