Preparing For a Successful Open House

When you’re preparing your home for an open house, do a walk-through each room. Place things such as photos and items that have sentimental value but don't add to the decor out of sight of buyers. Reading material and other things that tend to make the room look cluttered are also better kept tucked away.

This will also make prospective buyers feel less like they are intruding into someone else's home. Rather, they’re more likely to feel as though they are going through THEIR new home. Shallow, wide boxes that fit under the bed are great because they can be stored out of sight. Items placed in them are easy to locate: there's no need to dig through a deep box to find what you are looking for once your home has been sold.

If the plants in your garden aren't flowering at the time of the open home, go to the supermarket and purchase enough flowering annuals that can be set among the greenery of your flowerbeds to give the impression of a blooming garden. It may just be that the open home falls at a time when your plants are not at the right stage to bloom. Flowering annuals are just a suggestion but set the stage well for first impressions. Of course, make sure the grass is cut the day before the open house.

It’s amazing what a difference a coat of fresh paint can make to improve the appearance of a room. It will not only look better but it’ll smell better too. Some strategic painting outside can also make a difference far beyond the effort and expense involved.....something to think about.

Baking bread or biscuits just before the open house will leave a pleasant aroma that will remind people they are in a "home" rather than a house. Remember, the sense of smell is a powerful tool which can work for or against you.

Finally, you may choose to have on offer some tasty treats while prospective buyers are viewing your home. It's surprising how your property will stand out with this point of difference if buyers are looking at a lot of other properties on the same day.

Barry McKean
Bayleys Residential Specialist