Selling your home? An open house is a great method for drawing interested buyers to your property. However, before open your doors to the public, it is essential to make your home look its best. The following tips will help you stage your rooms to appeal to potential buyers and watch the offers start pouring in!
Clear out clutter
Piles of magazines on the coffee table and stacks of dishes in the sink will make your home unsightly to potential buyers. You want them to be able to envision their own families living in your home, so clear away distracting clutter. If you have an abundance of goods or even too much furniture crammed into your home, you may benefit from placing some items in storage to increase the space. The less you have in your home, the larger it will appear--which will make it more desirable to prospective buyers.
Make repairs
If your home requires any repairs, it is best to complete them before an open house. Some things to consider include:
- Loose floorboards or railings
- Broken tiles
- Damaged vinyl flooring
- Chipped paint or holes in drywall
- Broken or cracked bricks or pavers on exterior walkways/patios
- Missing shingles and hanging gutters
- Leaky faucets
- Dinged baseboards
- Scratched cabinets
- Broken windowpanes
TIP: A fresh coat of paint on the walls and a new house number are cheap and easy ways to improve your home's aesthetics.
Enhance curb appeal
Your home's exterior is how it makes its first impression. Making your home as inviting as possible will have a positive impact on visitors from the moment they step on your property.
- Make sure your lawn in well-manicured--mow the grass and prune all shrubs and trees
- Weed the flower beds and remove all dying and unhealthy plants
- Add decorative elements to your entryway, such as a potted plant on the stoop or floral wreath on your front door
- Replace your house number and/or mailbox if they are tarnished, scratched or dented
Clean thoroughly
Make your home sparkle with a little elbow grease and quality cleaning supplies. Dirt and grime will certainly detract from the beauty and appeal of your home, so a thorough cleaning before your open house is crucial.
- Vacuum all carpets, and consider using a shampooer to remove old stains and make your rugs more vibrant
- Wash and wax floors
- Scrubs all bathroom surfaces--especially the grout in the tiles
- Bleach the bathtub/shower
- Wash the insides and outside of all windows
- Clean all walls and doors from smudges and fingerprints--add a fresh coat of paint if necessary
- Dust all surfaces, especially high shelves, mantles, ceiling corners, and other high-reaching, often forgotten places
- Clean all kitchen surfaces thoroughly, especially the refrigerator, stove, and counters
Organize closets, cabinets and drawers
Clearing the clutter out of your home doesn't mean throwing everything haphazardly into your storage areas. Potential homebuyers look everywhere at an open house--including inside your closets and drawers. Make sure these spaces are well-organized and neat. Sufficient storage space is a vital selling point of any home--cluttered closets and messy cabinets will give the appearance that your home does not have enough storage. Keep them streamlined and tidy so they seem larger.
Remove personal articles (photos, child artwork, bold decor)
During an open house, visitors will be trying to picture living in your home with their own families, having breakfast at your dinner table, and sleeping in your bedroom. Remove all personal touches and keep your décor neutral to help potential buyers envision their lives there. Put away family photos, remove collectibles and memorabilia, take down children's artwork, and tone down bold, quirky design choices.
Freshen the air
The smell of your home is important--unpleasant odors can quickly turn off the most interested buyer. It is often difficult to recognize the scent of your own home, so have a trusted friend or neighbor walk through the home to detect any mustiness or pet odors. Freshen the air with scented candles or air fresheners in mild, universal scents like citrus, vanilla or peppermint. Opening the windows can also help your home smell fresh.