Things You Can Do to Prepare for an Open House

 

1. Clean, clean, clean! A spotlessly clean home is essential; dirt will turn off a prospect faster than anything. Remember that people open cupboards and closets to get a feel for the amount of storage available in your home. Make that storage area refreshingly organized and clean.

2. Mow your lawn, and be sure toys and yard equipment are put away.

3. Wash your mirrors, light fixtures, windows and open draperies and blinds.

4. Lock up your valuables, jewelry and money. Although the real estate salesperson will be on site during the open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.

5. Turn on all the lights. Even in the daytime, incandescent lights add sparkle.

6. Don’t ignore the power of fragrance. Smoke, pet odors and cooking smells can each impact how potential buyers feel about your house.

7. If your potential buyers never form an emotional connection to your home, chances are that they will remain just that – potential buyers.

8. Don’t allow smoking in your house for weeks leading up to showing it.

9. Once you’re removed any aroma that might be offensive and freshened the air in your home, you can actually use scent to your advantage.

10. Consider doing some baking prior to showings. The scent of fresh apple pie or warm chocolate chip cookies or gingerbread is hard to beat when it comes to creating the atmosphere of a welcoming home!

11. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (a basement or garage), and let the salesperson know where to find them.

12. Leave. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.

 

Making Your Home Irresistible at an Open House

 

1. Put fresh or silk flowers in principal rooms for a touch of color.

2. Add a new shower curtain, fresh towels, and new guest soaps to every bath.

3. Set out potpourri or fresh baked goods for a homey smell.

4. Set the table with pretty dishes and candles.

5. Replace your old doormat.

6. If needed, take one or two major pieces of furniture out of every room to create a sense of spaciousness.

7. Put away kitchen appliances and personal bathroom items to give the illusion of more counter space.

8. Lay a fire in the fireplace. Or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.

9. Turn on soft music in the background.

 

What I Will Do to Prepare for Your Open House

 

1. Advertise – both in local media and on my personal website.

2. Create a property summary sheet. This will give buyers an overview of your home. I’ll be asking for a summary of utility costs and property taxes. Also a list of when capital expenses such as roof and furnace were added or replaced would be helpful.

3. With your permission, I’ll provide some simple refreshments. They will be respectful of your furnishings and flooring.

4. I’ll have a sign-in form for visits and will follow up on all prospects. This form will also provide Feed-back comments.

5. Put up directional signs at nearby intersections. Also, I’ll place an Open House sign in front of your home a few days before the Open House advertising when it will be held.

6. In addition, I will install a “Talking House” transmitter to pre-announce your Open House. Call me for an explanation about this service.

7. I will personally be in attendance during the duration of the Open House.