How to Prepare Your Home for an Open House
Open houses are critical steps in the selling process. Why? People almost always want to see and feel a house before buying. Most feel comfortable buying only after envisioning themselves inside. Here are the best ways you can prepare your home for an open house.
How to Prepare Your Home for an Open House: Declutter
Cleanliness is essential. Nobody wants to buy a house that looks or feels dirty. Even after you go about repairing and cleaning the exterior, it can be easy to forget to declutter the inside. That can be a serious mistake. You’re going to want to ensure that all personal items are packed away neatly out of sight.
If you’re moving, you might want to take boxes of personal items out entirely before the open house begins. Makes sure there are no knick-knacks on the counter or tables. When somebody comes through, they will subconsciously feel much more comfortable and happier in a space that does not have the traditional clutter of a lived-in home.
Deep Clean
Beyond that clutter that comes from everyday items, you need to deep clean. That goes far beyond sweeping, vacuuming, and wiping down the bathroom mirror. You should work to make sure that every surface doesn’t go untouched. Thoroughly wipe down walls. Get rid of all dust and detritus behind furniture and appliances.
Scrub in places that you normally wouldn’t. If necessary, go over all of it again to make sure. Certain rooms will especially need that attention – the kitchen is one of the rooms most scrutinized by potential buyers. The bathrooms are also very important.
How to Prepare Your Home for an Open House: Depersonalize
The last step is about aesthetic appearances rather than hygiene. You can and should be able to style your home however you want! However, when it comes time to sell, you’re going to need to roll back some of your more unique choices. Even if they initially like the house, people will automatically feel negative towards colors or designs they feel are gaudy. Focus on light, neutral colors that make the space feel open and welcoming. White or light beige are common options. Fixtures like houseplants or paintings are okay – as long as they’re tasteful and subtle. It’s best to go for a more minimalist aesthetic when in doubt.
Appearances really do matter as much (if not more) than the practical side of things when it comes to real estate. Give your home the care and attention that it deserves. If you do, your open house will go better than you could have possibly asked for.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Here’s more to read. How to Keep Yourself Safe When Renting to Tenants
Steelbridge Realty LLC is a Licensed Real Estate Brokerage that utilizes cutting-edge marketing techniques and data-driven Real Estate solutions in today’s ever-changing environment. Our group of professionals have decades of experience and have navigated through many business cycles. Our diverse background gives us the tools to guide people towards successful decisions.
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