So your having an Open House, most sellers think that all they need to do to prepare for an open house is make sure the house is clean and they exit the house before it begins. Some bake cookies, but that was popular when music was played on a CD! Both the agent and the seller have much to do before the door opens to the public!
If you’re selling, make certain all your favorite things are safely stashed away. This can be anything from a beloved necklace from your grandmother to a baseball card collection. If it’s important to you or of any value, secure it!
Next check your prescriptions. Consider everything you take whether it’s something to lower your cholesterol or a narcotic to help you recover from recent surgery – do not leave anything that someone else may need, want or take. Realtors stay with the potential buyers during the open house to point out all the updates and features, but once someone asks to “use the bathroom,” we’re on the other side of the door.
If you always come in through your garage, walk into the house from your front door and after you make certain the walkway is safe and clear, check the exterior for cobwebs, a lightbulb that needs replacing or any potential flaw a buyer might notice. The storm door should be sparkling clean, the indoor/outdoor mats should be new and fresh and any seasonal curb appeal is welcoming.
Cookies always smell good, but some buyers wonder if they are used to cover an unpleasant smell. Some fresh flowers and the smell of a clean house may be all you need. Closets should already be cleaned out so every closet offers room for more in the buyer’s mind!
While you’re undertaking these preparations, your Realtor™ is busy behind the scenes promoting the open house to agents and potential buyers via internet, newspaper ads and email flyers just to name a few avenues. I track where the potential buyers come from and find the resounding majority come from the internet. Of course, expect some of your neighbors to stop by. It’s usually for comparison value to see how they think their house value compares to yours! Get ready – Spring will be here before you know it! Contact me for more details