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25 Open House Tips for Sellers
Between hosting Open Houses and preparing sellers to stage for showings, our team has learned all of the DO’S and DON’TS of what a home should look like when potential buyers walk through. To help, we’ve compiled our best tips for those who are putting their home on the Market. When you live in a place long enough, it’s easy to ignore the clutter or forget that some people may be turned off by seeing a litter box in the basement. This is a great checklist to run through before showings.Remember: You only get one chance at a first impression.
Make it count!
- Secure valuables (tech devices such as laptops, tablets, phones), bills (some have account numbers), spare keys to the house and prescription drugs
- Have all counter tops cleaned off. Remove counter top appliances such as toasters or coffee makers.
- Keys and personal items should be stored away.
- De-clutter / put away everyday items: dishes, mail, shoes, coats, kids’ toys, sporting equipment, etc.
- Take 15 minutes and organize / purge your fridge – because a buyer WILL look!
- Make sure the thermostat is set appropriately for the weather and make the home comfortable for showings.
- Take the trash out and consider hiding garbage cans.
- Minimize family photos
- Do a thorough cleaning – even if you have to hire a cleaning service
- Improve curb appeal: Mow the lawn and trim back overgrown shrubbery, mulch, paint shutters, weed gardens, address the trim, fix walkways, clean exterior windows, power wash home.
- Make the bathrooms shine: Toilet seats down, clean mirrors and other glass surfaces.
- Bake something that smells good. Chocolate chip cookies, apple pie. I’ve used the pre-made cookie dough and frozen pies for this. A pan of apple juice with cinnamon and cloves simmering in the oven works well and is easy.
- Put fresh flowers or flowering plants on the dining room table
- Play soft music
- Turn on all of the lights
- Offer snacks and water
- Take all the magnets and pictures off the refrigerator.
- If guns are in the house, make sure they are secured.
- Open the windows – buyers love lots of natural light.
- Stick all personal toiletries in a drawer or a basket. (no one wants to see your toothpaste or hand lotion)
- Organize toys or store them while your home is on the Market
- Less is more. Remove excess furniture if possible.
- Replace light bulbs that are burnt out. The better the lighting, the better the results.
- Walkways to and from the home should be clean and clear.
- Hide feeding bowls, litter boxes, dog beds, etc. Some home-seekers have allergies and can be put-off by their presence.
