Have you ever walked into an open house and wondered if the homeowners prepared for the showing at all? If so, it probably left a negative impression, even if the home was otherwise in good condition. A little bit of prep work goes a long way toward changing the attitudes of potential buyers.
If you’re setting up an open house, it’s in your best interest to show your home in the best light possible. Be sure to cover all your bases with our open house checklist for sellers.
☐ Cut the Clutter
Visitors at your home should be able to move through it freely. Put yourself in the shoes of a buyer and make sure every doorway, hall and room has a clear path for easy viewing and walking.
☐ Get Impersonal
When people tour a home, they tend to imagine their own personal belongings in the space. Your family photos and heirlooms serve as a distraction to a potential homebuyer’s vision. Stow them away on open house day.
☐ Pay Attention to Light
Nobody wants to live in a dark and dreary home. Open blinds, drapes and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. Remember to clean the windows inside and out, so all visitors notice is the view outside.
☐ Clear the Air
For a few hours before your open house, open sliding doors and windows to let fresh air into the home. If it’s cold outside, only let in air for a short period of time — it’s important to be mindful of visitor comfort.
☐ Prepare Parking
Getting to your home on open house day should be as convenient as possible. Park your own vehicles down the road so visitors have ample space to park.
☐ Stage if Necessary
If you have already moved out of your home, it’s probably feeling pretty empty. You can rent staging furniture to give the space some life and help visitors envision their own items in each room.
☐ Provide Food & Refreshments
The people touring your home should feel as comfortable and welcome as possible. Prepare a plate of cookies or mini sandwiches and have water or other refreshments available to ensure people focus on the home and not their appetites.
Get Set for a Sale
As a seller, open house days can be thrilling. There is the chance for a sale to happen that day, and you never know when a bidding war might occur. Taking the time to prepare increased interest in the property and make people feel right at home as they tour.
Looking for more open house tips for sellers in Minnesota? Check out our blog post, “How to Stage a Home for Sale: The Do’s and Don’ts Simplified” to learn more about putting your best foot forward on tour day.