The Best Tips to Help You Prepare for a Successful Open House

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Selling your home can be a tough challenge. The market is competitive, and you want the best price for your property, so making a great impression on potential buyers is paramount. With some smart preparations, you can enjoy a successful open house and present your home effectively.

Curb Appeal

As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. If you don’t impress home shoppers with an attractive exterior, you will never get them through the front door to see the inside. Tidy up landscaping, put on a fresh coat of paint, make sure your mailbox looks well tended, and buy a brand-new welcome mat. House numbers should look new and secure, not loose or worn. Don’t forget to tidy up the garage too. You might also consider replacing your old garage door, as doing so touts a 98.3 percent return on investment. A new garage door not only makes your home more aesthetically pleasing, but it adds functionality as well. On the day of the event, your driveway and walkways should be clean, and cars should be out of the garage and off your property.

Neat as a Pin

our home should be clean throughout. Every nook and cranny should be pristine, including freshly shampooed carpets and washed windows. As U.S. News and World Report suggests, you may want to hire a professional cleaning service.

Fix and Maintain

Anything that is worn, broken, or otherwise in need of repairs or replacement should be tended. Make sure to fix minor issues in your home that could be a turnoff for home buyers.

Declutter

Your home should feel open and welcoming, and prospective buyers need to be able to envision themselves living there. This means depersonalizing living areas. Remove all knickknacks and photos and reduce the pieces of furniture to a minimum. Arrange furniture in conversational groupings and in a pattern that will encourage traffic flow through the home.

Stage your home

Your home should appear bright and open. Some professionals recommend investing in cosmetic enhancements, but not in any major renovations. Good lighting and a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Choose colors that are light and neutral and repaint any walls that have strong hues. Consider painting kitchen cabinets and adding new hardware, and install a new faucet if your existing one looks tired. Clean window coverings or purchase new ones and continue to opt for light and bright. Purchase inexpensive new linens that are fresh, neutral, light colors. Set out a vase of fresh flowers the day of your event.

Vacate the Premises

Sellers should not be present for the open house. As some experts explain, your real estate agent will act as the host. Go for a walk, run errands, visit a friend, but don’t stay for the event. Potential buyers need to feel comfortable talking among themselves about their impressions, discussing options and ideas. With you there, they may feel obligated to only say certain things and won’t ever address deeper thoughts and questions that need to be discussed before they can purchase your home.

Closets

Streamline your storage areas, reducing what is in closets and cabinets so they appear no more than half-full. Most homeowners benefit from renting a storage unit to house their excess items until it’s time to move. If you can’t afford to rent a storage unit, one idea is to store your items with a friend or family member. Someone with room in a garage or basement can house the items temporarily.

Pets and Children

Items belonging to any pets should be stowed out of sight, and all evidence of pets should be removed. If you can’t take your pets with you the day of your open house, opt to board or find friends who will watch your animals in their home. Similarly, children’s toys should be cut back and packed with only a few favorites remaining, organized, and stored appropriately. Make sure that you don’t leave clutter or distractions home shoppers need to overlook.

Selling your home is challenging, and good preparations are essential. Present your home well to make a great impression on potential buyers. Your open house will set you up for a successful sale!