When selling your home today, convincing a new era of Buyers, returning to the market, that your home stands for value and quality is crucial. An Open House remains a terrific way to expose your property to many consumers and gain distinction from the competition. While your Real Estate professional will advertise and manage the event, it’s up to you to ensure your home is seen in the best light possible. Remember, you only have one chance to make a first impression, so approach your Open House as a “property Showcase.” Here are several ways to make your home shine…inside and out!
Start with outside. Do a visual check of the front of the house from across the street to determine its curb appeal. It should look inviting, with a trimmed lawn and flowerbed, and a freshly painted front door. Polish door handles and knockers, and replace worn items, such as a rusty doorbell. Consider adding a new doormat and flowering plants at the entrance. Don’t forget to wash your windows and clean any oil or rust spots from the driveway. Don’t forget to inspect the side and back yards as well, adding some flowering plants there. Clean and rearrange the outdoor furniture to look inviting. Remember to put away gardening tools, and tidy around the grill area.
Next, focus on the inside of the home where cleanliness, space, smell, and lighting are crucial. First, get your house in tip-top condition by cleaning and clearing away clutter. Steam clean and vacuum any carpet. Make sure your floors are waxed and shiny. Touch up nicks on walls, and make sure the porcelain sinks, tubs, and metallic fixtures shine. Be conscious of any lingering odors, such as smoke, pets, or strong-smelling foods. You may need to air out your home prior to the Open House. Consider grinding fresh lemons in the garbage disposal, and don’t forget to empty all trash containers. Clear away and store as many items as you can that are sitting on the kitchen and bathroom countertops, and bureaus, to make them appear spacious.
Next, set the mood. Let your prospective Buyers picture your home as their own. Rearrange, or remove, furniture and accessories so rooms look larger. Lighting is also important in creating a desirable atmosphere. Bright lights provide a cheerful environment, and make a small space appear larger. Pull back all drapes and open the blinds. Turn on all the lights, and ensure all light sockets have fresh bulbs. Use softer lights for rooms in which you want a warm and cozy feeling.
Don’t forget little touches such as fresh flowers, lighted candles in the bathrooms, new logs in the fireplace, or a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter. You may even want to set your dining-room table with color-coordinated table settings. Don’t be tempted to bake cookies. Remember, beautiful smells are in the nose of the beholder, so to speak. Home buying is steeped in emotion. Never rely on Buyers to use their imagination. You must capture their imagination. Buyers may see seven or eight homes in a single day, and the most memorable home will be the one that seemed the brightest, the most spacious, and the most beautiful.