Your home is for sale and your real estate agent is planning to do an open house to bring in traffic to see your home. What can you do to prepare your home for the upcoming open house?
First take a look at the exterior of your home. The front yard is going to be the very first impression of any potential buyers approaching the home. Be sure the lawn is neatly trimmed as well as all the bushes and trees. Color in the yard is always a nice idea so think about planting some colorful flowers either in the yard or at least in a few flower pots. A fresh flower pot by the front door is a good idea as well. Be sure you clean the outside of your home especially the front door area. Remove all dirt, cobwebs, dust, trimmings, feathers and anything else that causes your home not to look attractive. A welcome mat by the front door is a good idea.
In the backyard do all the same things you did to the front but also include making sure the pool is spotless, the water feature is running and your barbecue areas or fire pits are clean. Your patio and patio furniture should also be neat and clean as well as all the exterior doors and windows. A flower pot or two would help decorate the backyard as well.
Inside the home cleaning is essential. Look up and down, be sure everything up high is dusted including the ceiling fans, planters, light fixtures and shelving. Baseboards should be clean and if they are impossible to get clean then a fresh coat of paint will do the trick. Be sure all the floors are freshly cleaned and the entire home is dust free including your personal property. Clear most of the items off of the kitchen counters to show open spaces. Leave only decorative items out on the counters and maybe leave out a dish of wrapped candy.
Window treatments should be open to let in the light so be sure the windows are clean. Make sure they are dust free as well. The light in the home will make it feel warm and cozy.
Your furniture should be arranged so the traffic will flow nicely and not feel like the home is crowded or appear small. People should be able to walk through the home without having to walk around objects.
Be sure your bathrooms are especially clean and fresh. The only odors in the home should be of a fresh clean candle, flowers or fresh baking. Smells from the bathroom or the kitchen need to be avoided. Be sure and not cook with a strong smell the night before the open house. Garlic, curry, bacon and fish should be avoided. Baking fresh cookies the morning of the open house and having them available will give the home a warm homey feeling and keep visitors in the home a little longer while they munch on the goodies. Also, be sure you have plenty of cold water for your guests.
Have a successful open house!
About Michelle Demopolis
