A successful open house is easy to prepare for with this handy checklist:
1. De-clutter
An untidy home is a turn off to potential buyers. Cleaning makes your home look much more spacious. Think of it as each box you pack and take away from your property is value 100 greenbacks additional in your pocket when selling.
2. Clean it up
Not simply everyday cleaning like vacuuming, sweeping dusting and cleaning out the bathtubs is enough for a stunning showing. Steam clean carpets, vacuum upholstery; dry clean the draperies, clean often-neglected areas such as on top of the fridge, cabinet interiors, oven, and cobwebs in corners and basements. If this can be a daunting task, it might be worthwhile to employ the services of a maid service.
3. Repairs
Build an inventory of all repairs made to the home like new electrical wiring, new roof, new furnace etc. You will want to consider having a pre listing home inspection done to ease potential consumer’s minds regarding your home. This home inspection will show you any potential issues that will be deal breakers when you do get an offer. If the inspection shows that everything is good then it’s conjointly a smart selling feature when listing your home. You will be able to leave a duplicate of the report on your table for potential buyers to see.
4. Revive Imperfections.
A contemporary coat of paint or stain can clean up any room and eliminate scuffs scratches and stains. Finish all home improvement projects, as incomplete work will deter buyers.
5. Curb Appeal
Make sure lawn is spruced; driveway is sealed or during the winter clear all walkways of snow and ice. Clean out overflowing gutters and build sure landscaping is neat and trimmed. Flowers and shrubs add value to your home and you will need to invest in a few to spruce up the outside decor.
6. Scent
Ask your realtor to assist you establish odors such as pets, smoking, laundry, mold and mildew, cooking smells and garbage. Do not cover these smells with air fresheners, address the problem, and eliminate them.
7. Remove Valuables
Before allowing strangers in your home put away all valuables in a safe place. Things like jewelry, cameras, identification, wallets, etc should be locked away. Make sure your home owners’ insurance policy is latest and take away fragile things out of harm’s way.
8. Work Area
Prepare a space for your agent to display sell sheets and business cards and have an area for alternative agents to drop off their cards and information.
9. Refreshments
Some open houses have beverages and snacks accessible and this can be discussed together with your realtor. Coffee and pastries are a simple offering to guests however if you have got carpeting, you may limit the coffee until individuals are finished viewing the property and on their way out.
10. Property Photos
If your house is for sale in the winter months it is a good plan to display some photos in an album or on display for potential buyers to see the property in the spring and summer months. Photos featuring gardens in full bloom or the pool open and welcoming are nice sales tools.
Another great article by Belleville Real Estate
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