Open House Tips

Your home has just one chance to make a great impression with each potential buyer.  And it can!  The following “tricks of the trade” will help you keep track of what needs to be done.  The whole idea is to present a clean, spacious, clutter-free home – the kind of place you’d like to buy.  Accomplish a little every day, and before you long your home will be ready to make the impression that can make the sale.

BOOST YOUR HOME’S CURB APPEAL

Mow the lawn and trim the shrubs. Keep walkways & driveways swept. Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good repair. Hose off the exterior. Shine brass hardware on the front door and outside lighting fixtures, etc. Make sure your doorbell is in good working condition.

MAKE THE INSIDE SHINE

Shampoo carpets & wax hardwood floors. Clean & wax kitchen and bathroom floors. Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you don’t use. Keep papers, toys, etc. picked up – especially on stairways! Repair problems such as loose door knobs, crack molding and leaky taps. Add a fresh coat of paint to dull or scratched walls. Most importantly, secure your jewelry and other valuables.

DETAIL THE KITCHEN

Make sure appliances are spotless inside & out. Clean those often forgotten spots on top of the refrigerator and under the sink. Unclutter your counter space & remove countertop appliances.

DE-CLUTTER THE GARAGE

Sell, give away or throw out unnecessary items. Provide strong overhead light. Organize & create more floor space by hanging tools & placing items on shelves.

SHOWTIME…

Open all drapes/shades & turn on lights. Check to make sure beds are made & clothes are put away. Give carpets a quick vacuuming. Take your pet to daycare or ask a friend to keep them.  Make sure the temperature is comfortably cool in summer and warm in winter.