How to Prep Your Home for a Successful Open House
Selling your home takes a lot of work and preparation, and when it comes time to have an open house or buyer walk-through, there are so many details to think about that it can be easy to overlook a few. Not only do you have to make everything clean and inviting, but you also have to think about the exterior of your house, the lawn, and how to add curb appeal, especially in an older home. Failing to work on any of these areas could mean the difference between getting the asking price and having your home on the market for months, so it’s important to plan well.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can prep your home for a successful open house that will have buyers clamoring to put in an offer, and many of them are simple updates or DIY projects that can be done in a weekend. Look around your home to get an idea of the rooms that could use some attention and make a list of everything that needs to be done. Also, determine which tasks you can do yourself and which will require hiring a professional.
Here are a few tips on how to get started.
Remove Odors
Your house should be clean and odor-free, especially if you have pets. Dogs and cats are lovely companions, but they can deter potential buyers if there are signs of them in your home. Remove litter boxes, scrub the bathrooms and kitchen, take out the trash in every room, and clean furniture, carpets, and drapery to ensure there are no unsightly smells permeating the air.
Give It a Luxury Feel
One of the best ways to get a firm asking price from a buyer is to make the house seem like a luxury home. If you have the time and budget, add some upgrades such as a nice big kitchen, a pool, or a bigger master bath with two sinks. It may require some investment, but it will likely get you a nice return on the sale. Luxury homes for sale in Irvine, California, for example, have a median listing price of $1.5 million; click here for more info.
Clean Up the Yard
Again, if you have pets, this is one area you can’t avoid. Cleaning up the lawn is essential, because buyers don’t want to think about having work to do once they move in. Fill in holes your dog has dug, lay down sod if there are bare patches of grass, mow, pull weeds, and think about planting some colorful flowers in the front just for aesthetic value. If you have large structures, such as a swing set or doghouse, consider taking them down for the showing and filling in any holes they leave behind.
Remove Personal Items
Keep in mind that your house should be geared toward buyers when it comes to decor and furnishings. You don’t want to have too many personal belongings sitting around during an open house because buyers should be able to see themselves living there. To keep things simple, remove family photos, knick-knacks, and clutter. It’s also a good idea to remove one piece of furniture from each room so that it looks bigger. Use all the natural light you can; open up the windows for some fresh air if the weather allows.
Preparing for an open house can be stressful, so remember to take care of yourself during this time. Coping with a physical move on top of handling everything that comes with selling and buying a home can be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared, so going in armed with a good plan is essential.
This blog was written by, Natalie Jones of www.homeownerbliss.info