Making a Good First Impression
As the saying goes “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” When you’re looking to sell, it’s important you set your home up for success when it comes to making a good first impression. Take the time needed before your open house to ensure your potential buyers see all the great assets your home has to offer. Below are a few times to help.
Tips to Ensure a Successful Open House
- Spruce up the front door.
Maybe this means a fresh coat of paint or even a new color to make it pop. Or maybe something as simple as a nice wreath or decoration. - Freshen up the landscaping.
Pull weeds, mulch, or add potted plants for pops of color. If it is needed, have the exterior power washed. Take the time to clean off sidewalks and the driveway and make sure the lawn is mowed. - Touch up the paint.
This may include patching holes, touching up scratches, or even repainting a room or two to freshen it up or tone down a wild color. - Do the maintenance.
Check that all lightbulbs are working, put fresh caulk in the bathrooms, fix any slow drains or dripping faucets. Though these may seem small, it shows the potential buyers your home is cared for. - Clean, Clean, Clean.
Clean each room from top to bottom, getting all the nooks and crannies. If you don’t have time to do it all, think about hiring a professional to clean. Remember to have the carpets and floors professionally cleaned. - Stage Your Home
Think about staging your home with furniture and a few accessories. If living in the home, try simple things like putting out fresh towels, a vase of flowers, or a few accessories. Maybe change the hardware on cabinets or faucets to give your kitchen or bath an updated look. - Organize
Get rid of clutter. Consider renting a storage space and removing extra furniture, knickknacks, and pack up all unnecessary items. This will help to make your home look more spacious and inviting. - Remove Personal Items
You want the potential buyers to envision themselves in the house. Removing family photos off the walls and everything from the fridge will help them to envision making your house their home. - Remove Pets
If possible, remove your pets from the home prior to the open house. Remember to remove their bowls and beds. If you cannot remove the pets, have them contained in an out of the way spot where they won’t distract potential buyers. - Spread the Word
Your Realtor will advertise your open house in area publications, MLS listings, their website and social media. They will put out signs in front of your property as well at nearby intersections. - Let in the Light
Open all the curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. In addition to the natural light, turn on all the lights, even if it is the middle of the day. This will help potential buyers see things easily. - Protect Your Belongings
Before the open house, remove or lock up all valuable items, heirlooms and medication. The agent will not be able to keep an eye on everything when multiple individuals are at the open house at one time. - Hit the Road
Don’t hang around at an open house. Let your agent handle the open house. This will let your potential buyers feel like they could make it theirs. - Listen to Feedback
Your agent will get feedback from those attending the open house about the home’s features and price. Take care of the items needing addressed from the feedback given.