6 Ways You Can Get Your Home Prepped for an Open House

Getting ready to sell your home can be an exciting endeavor, but first, you have to make it show-ready for open houses. Since purchasing a house is a major investment, people attending a showing will notice every minor issue. Being proactive can make the difference between putting off potential buyers and getting great offers. Take into consideration these six tips to help you get started.

Make the Necessary Repairs First

Are there cracks in the walls? Does the roof need patching up? Do appliances need replacing? Making important repairs before you start showing your home can improve your chances of getting a great offer. In fact, certain upgrades like minor kitchen remodeling and vinyl siding add more value to your home than others. Even smart technology can get you a better price.

Depersonalise

When people see a home, they want to be able to envision themselves there. Keep the space neutral by removing anything that’s personal, such as family photos and awards. You don’t want to have artwork or paraphernalia that might be considered offensive or polarizing, either. When in doubt, remove anything political, religious, or sports-related.

Deep Clean

One of the most important things you can do is deep clean your house. Power wash the outside, make your floors and appliances shine, and deep shampoo any carpets to make them feel new again. Removing bad odors is key, too, especially in areas where scents can linger, like the kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and pet areas. If you opt to use scents, try citrus, pine, green tea, and simmer pots. These scents are the best options for home staging.

Stage Your Home

A staged home can bring more life to an open house than an empty home. Studies show that vacant homes sell 87% slower than staged homes. This is because people can really visualize a home’s potential when there's furniture. When getting ready to stage, start with decluttering. It can be difficult if you have pets or children, but try to put toiletries and personal effects away.

You should also take a moment to stage your home office if you have one. Not only will this make your home look more appealing, but it could also catch the attention of potential buyers who are looking for a nice workspace. Use various storage systems to keep paper records hidden, like filing cabinets or desks. Finally, make sure your office — and other areas of your home — have plenty of light.

Address Curb Appeal

Your first impression is how your home looks from the outside. Curb appeal can get your house sold faster and increase its value. Start by implementing greenery, using local shrubbery that's easy to take care of. You can also mow the lawn, repaint your front door, clean out the gutters, and redo your mailbox to make it stand out. No matter your budget, you can add something to increase your home’s value.

Use Print Marketing Techniques

When people arrive for a showing or an open house, provide them with print-outs like brochures, flyers, and door hangers. This way, they can have something to reference both during and after the tour. Your brochure should highlight key selling points and have professional photos that showcase your home’s beauty and openness. Don’t forget to include your contact information, either.

Prepping and staging your home and office for showings doesn't have to be stressful. Follow these simple strategies to create a clean, beautiful, neutral space that will make a lasting impression on prospective buyers.

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