Preparing For An Open House

You’ve dusted, vacuumed, scrubbed, and neatened but have you ticked all the boxes when it comes to easy, low- or no-cost things you can do to make sure your home makes a good impression during your up-coming open house?

  1. Pump up the curb appeal. This is the first glimpse potential buyers will have and you want to make it a positive experience. Could the landscaping be improved with a little raking or a couple pots of foliage on either side of the front door? Is the doormat worn or new? A few simple changes can really set the right first impression.
  2. Declutter your closets. If they’re stuffed to the gills, homebuyers will conclude you're moving because your home has insufficient storage. Pack away everything you can live without and make sure everything remaining is clean and organized.
  3. Check the grout. When the bathroom grout is clean, it sends shoppers the message that your home is well-maintained and loved. Clean, fresh-smelling bathrooms and kitchens are a real plus.
  4. De-clutter the backyard. Toys, yard tools, and debris should be stored or tossed. Remove anything with unattractive or dead plantings in it. Wipe down patio tables and chairs.
  5. Remove distractions. Remove distractions such as personal photos and awards from walls, shelves and furniture so prospective home buyers can visualize themselves living there.
  6. Lock up valuables. Most home buyers are honest, but there’s no reason to tempt someone unnecessarily. Be sure to lock all jewelry, cash, and other valuables in a safe place.
  7. Be pet-free. Remove signs of the family cat and dog, from litter boxes, to water dishes, to chew toys. Then arrange for the animals to be out during the time when the open house takes place.
  8. Set the stage. For color and ambiance, set the table and put fresh lemons in a bowl in the kitchen. Leave doors slightly ajar to make closets for inviting. Leave a plate of cookies in the kitchen – give store-bought chocolate chip cookies a quick turn in the microwave for just-baked softness. Make sure the room temperature is comfortable and play some soft background music. Don’t use scented candles or potpourri; they could make visitors think you're covering up an odor plus they can be a problem for people with allergies.
  9. Brighten things up. Open all the curtains and shades (be sure windows are clean!). Turn on all the lights. The brighter the interior of your home, the more spacious it seems.
  10. Have fun. Take yourself or your family on an outing while the open house is taking place. Having owners at home can make buyers feel uncomfortable. After all, you know you’ve made your home look practically irresistible, so take advantage of this time to do something fun and relaxing!

 In today's super competitive real estate market, you need marketing expertise that includes the power and reach of the Internet in addition to more traditional forms of real estate marketing. Lake & City Homes gives you the strategic advantage you need to net top dollar now. Contact us today at (563) BUY-SOLD to learn how our comprehensive marketing plan gives you the upper hand regardless of market conditions. Or, fill out a request for a free market analysis of your home. There's no obligation.

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