Getting Ready for Open Houses
Open Houses are a key aspect whether you are selling or renting your property. It gives the seller the opportunity to show off their home, while the buyer gets the chance to see the home in its best light. Open houses take place every week in neighbourhoods around the country.
If you’re trying to sell or rent your house, there are some things that you can do to help make sure that your home makes the best appearance possible for your visitors:
1. Pick the right date: When you plan your Open House day, make sure to check that calendar so you don’t have it conflict with a holiday such as Mother’s Day or a special event. Doing so can affect the turnout.
2. De-clutter: Get rid of clutter around the house, especially in notorious trouble spots like closets and basements. Donate old clothes and household items or consider holding a garage sale if you have large items and time permits.
3. Create some major space. Consider moving a few larger items of furniture offsite temporarily such a friend’s house or a temporary storage facility. Remember, when it comes to a good showing, less is more. You want to create a spacious feel and easy flow of traffic for visitors.
4. Clean and clean again. Make sure everything in your home is cleaned, polished, and dusted. A home that looks well-kept will create a favourable impression. And don’t forget to open the windows for some clean air too!
5. Eliminate odours: An enemy of successful open house showings is any foul or mysterious odour in the home. The sense of smell is very powerful, and it can have a direct effect on our emotions, both for good and bad. If there are foul odours in your home, most likely very few of the other positive aspects of your house will be remembered more than the negative memory of the odour. It is important that you don’t mask the odours but eliminate them.
6. Lighten up! For walls and woodwork, nothing says cared-for like a fresh coat of paint. Choose a neutral, light colour to further add to the illusion of spaciousness.
7. Create curb appeal. Along with the interior, make sure the outside looks properly maintained too. Mow the lawn or shovel the sidewalk as the season requires, sweep the steps and clean the front doors and windows. Also include some planters with flowers or plants for extra colour on the porch.
8. Promote: Remember to ensure that you are promoting your open house event property. Your real estate agent will create a promotion plan using various marketing techniques such as signage, direct mail, print advertising, e-marketing or website promotion.
9. Special touches – Leaving on the lights, a fire burning in the fireplace, soft background music playing and coffee brewing all add ambience and make a welcoming impression. Remember to keep toilet seats down and use clean towels.
10. Get out and stay out! You’ll get better results when your visitors feel free to poke about, linger, and ask very direct questions of your real estate agent. If you’re present, they may feel more constrained. So pack up the dog and the kids, and enjoy your day away.
If you are planning on renting or selling your home, I can help you prepare for your big open house. I can also be on hand on Open House day to give your home some last minute finishing touches. Give me a call at 905-334-3715 or email donna@suitedesign to find out more!
GOOD LUCK ON A SUCCESSFUL OPEN HOUSE!!!
