Selling your home? During an open house, first impressions play a key role in a potential buyer’s decision-making process. Before you welcome potential buyers, take some time to prepare your house. Read on to learn how to showcase your home’s best features and create a welcoming atmosphere.
1. Declutter and clean
A clean, uncluttered home inspires confidence and makes it easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves moving in. This is one of the pieces of advice you’ll often hear from our DuProprio real estate coaches.
Start by cleaning your house from top to bottom and fixing any little issues that might put people off. If prospective buyers see that you’ve taken good care of your home, they’re more likely to give it serious consideration, instead of just moving on to the next house on their list. Make sure your house is clean, uncluttered and depersonalized, inside and out.
Buyers will open cupboards and cabinets to check out the storage options, so arrange your belongings neatly in the appropriate spots or in other rooms around the house. And don’t forget to clean the door sills, as they’re often overlooked. Want more tips?
Kitchen
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and we can’t overstate how important showcasing it really is. Your kitchen should be functional and inviting. Updating the decor is an option if you’ve got the time, but the main thing is to keep all surfaces free of clutter, including countertops and islands.
Checklist
Store utensils, spice jars and small appliances out of sight
Clean the countertops, sinks and cupboard doors
Wipe down the fridge, stove and other large appliances
Dust shelves, corners and ledges
Empty garbage cans and compost bins
Wipe down light switches and outlets
Living room
The living room is often the first room people see, so you want to make sure yours is at its best. Everyone has their own taste when it comes to decor, but an elegant, minimalist look is sure to inspire a positive open house experience.
Checklist
Store drawings, toys, magazines and family photos out of sight
Clean all surfaces
Arrange the furniture so it’s easy to walk around
Repair any little cracks or holes in the walls
Add small decorative touches like rugs, vases and cushions
Bedrooms
As you’ve probably guessed, you’ll want to declutter the bedrooms too. A neat and tidy room looks bigger and brighter, making it easier for potential buyers to appreciate its potential.
Checklist
Make the beds
Put away clothes and other personal items
Clean curtains and blinds
Dust lamps, vases and picture frames
Bathroom
Another room whose appearance can have a huge influence on buyers is the bathroom. It gets a lot of use, from morning showers to a relaxing bath before bed. So you want your bathroom to inspire a feeling of comfort and well-being.
Checklist
Clean mirrors and taps
Clear off counters and store personal items out of sight
Repaint walls, if you notice any peeling paint
Inspect tile joints and repair damaged grout
Make sure there’s no visible mould or musty smell
Replace hand towels
Add a decorative plant
2. Reduce the noise
When your house is quiet, prospective buyers are able to talk and focus on the property without distractions. Loud background noises can draw attention away from your home’s features and ruin the visit. Avoid running the washing machine, dryer or dishwasher, and make sure the TV is off. If you decide to play background music, keep the volume low.
3. Boost your curb appeal
The outside of your house should be tidy and appealing so visitors have a good first impression before they step in the front door. Make sure the driveway is in good shape (whether you have asphalt or concrete pavers), touch up the landscaping, and give the fence, siding or patio furniture a fresh coat of paint, if necessary.
Backyard
If your open house is in the summer, make sure your yard is looking its best by removing any weeds and dead leaves. Hide garbage cans and put away gardening tools, bikes, toys and other personal items.
Pool, hot tub and sauna
Make sure the pool is clean and free of floating debris. Adding a few well-placed pieces of furniture is an easy way to create an inviting outdoor space—think flowerpots, vases, a small table and lights.
If you have a hot tub or sauna, make sure it’s in good working order. At the very least, clean all surfaces and disinfect the water.
4. Create a distraction-free environment
If your children tend to steal the show or your pets require a lot of attention, arrange to leave them with a friend or family member for a few hours. It would be a shame if a potential buyer had to leave early because they were allergic to your cat or dog!
Do your best to get rid of unpleasant odours like cigarette smoke, cat litter and strong food smells. They can take attention away from your home’s best features.
It’s also best to avoid using deodorizers or scented candles. Artificial scents may give the impression you’ve got something to hide, like mould. Instead, air out your house beforehand. This lets potential buyers focus on everything that makes your house great.
5. Pay attention to the lighting
Another tip is to make sure your house is properly lit to showcase each room, no matter the time of day. Good lighting is one of the features potential buyers look for most. Opening the curtains and turning on the lights is always a good idea!
You may also want to add a few lamps to create a welcoming atmosphere in key rooms. Lamps help create a cozy feeling while also adding brightness.
6. Make minor repairs
Before opening your doors to potential buyers, it’s important to repair any small issues that could put buyers off.
These little fixes will improve your home’s overall appeal and reduce the risk that small flaws become points of negotiation. Unfinished work is also likely to raise questions from prospective buyers.
If you want to spruce up your home before putting it on the market, it’s a good idea to finish any work that’s underway before you start showing the house.
7. Prepare your answers
You can expect that buyers who come to your open house will have read your listing on the DuProprio site. They’re sure to have questions during the visit.
As the owner, you know your home better than anyone. You know what makes it special, and you know what information will be most useful to the new owner. Here are 3 things to keep in mind:
Think of the questions you’re likely to get asked and prepare your answers in advance. Buyers often ask about recent work or renovations, maintenance, and the age of the windows, heating system and roof.
If you kept receipts from renovations or the warranties or user manuals for any major appliances, have them on hand. These documents can reassure potential buyers.
Give clear, accurate and relevant information. This helps create a positive open house experience for potential buyers.
Last but not least, everyone is looking for a comfortable home where they can live their best life. A friendly attitude is key during open houses, especially when potential buyers first arrive. Give them space to look around the house and imagine it as their own.
FAQ
How should I prep for an open house?
Start with a thorough cleaning. Tidy up, put away your personal belongings and rearrange the furniture to make it easier to walk through each room. Do any necessary repairs so minor flaws don’t become deterrents. Taking the time to thoroughly prep your house can make a big difference during the open house!
How do I make sure showings go well?
Make sure the property is clean, tidy and well maintained to make a good impression on potential buyers. Create a welcoming atmosphere so potential buyers can start to see themselves moving in. Lastly, answer prospective buyers’ questions clearly and provide the information they need to know about the house. Good luck!
Want to sell your home commission-free? Sell with DuProprio and get advertising and support services throughout the process. To learn more about how we can help, watch our short explainer video or schedule a call with an advisor.
