Six Tips for Open Home success
One of the most important moments in the sale of your property is the open house. Lots of individuals will look through your house, scrutinising each small aspect to decide if it's the right place for them.
The fundamentals, such the number of rooms, the cost, and the size of the lawn, will determine some first impressions. However, a lot of what you do in your house on a daily basis will have an impact. What can you do to maximise this chance to present your property in the best possible light?
1. Declutter and clean
One of the most important moments in the sale of your property is the open house.
This one should go without saying, but you'd be astonished at how many sellers skip over the essentials. Every surface that need cleaning should be vacuumed, dusted, mopped, and scrubbed—even the areas that aren't immediately apparent in case a curious buyer decides to peek. Make sure the air is pure and fragrant with some vanilla extract or other enticing scents; smell is another vital factor.
Don't be afraid to spend a few hundred dollars hiring a professional cleaner if you don't consider yourself to be one. Spending a little now could result in thousands of dollars more when the offers start coming in.
2. Depersonalise
For potential buyers, one of the most important parts of the open home process is visualisation. Imagining themselves in your property, cooking in your kitchen, relaxing in your lounge and sleeping in your bedroom.
Too many personal items, such as framed graduation certificates from your children, family photos, or even your clothing on the line, could halt this process in its tracks. Simple storage of your personal stuff is all that is needed for the open house.
3. Allow the sun to shine.
To create a light and airy atmosphere, open all the blinds and break the windows.
Dark, murky lighting can deter visitors to your home more than anything. Everything will appear less desirable, smaller, and dirtier. Additionally, a gloomy house is typically wet, which could ruin the sale of your house.To create a light and airy atmosphere, open all the blinds and break the windows. Consider cutting back trees that droop over windows and block the sun's light.
Even if it's the middle of the day, turn on the lights if your home is naturally a little dark.
4. Keep pets (and any evidence of them) hidden.
Although your pets may be the joy of your life, potential purchasers may be turned off by them. Never bring your pets to an open house because, while they may be cute, some potential buyers may find them annoying or even dangerous and find it difficult to picture living in a house that once contained animals.
Your bank account will be happier and healthier if you leave Fido at a friend's house or send him on vacation to the kennels.
Take a second look
5. Always seek a second perspective before inviting guests inside your home.
Your castle is your house. As a result, you can be slightly partial to it and fail to notice anything evident that might put off potential buyers. Always get a second view before inviting guests into your property, from a friend, your estate agent, or even your nosy next-door neighbour.
They might pick up on strange odours you've grown accustomed to, pet odours, or even make suggestions for interior design improvements.
6. Be ready with answers.
During the open house, prospective buyers who are interested in your home might have enquiries to try and ascertain the property's suitability. These could consist of:
- What’s the renovation history?
- Have you had a pest and building inspection?
- Can I renovate in future?
- How much are the council rates?
- Are there any good schools nearby?
- What are the neighbours like?
Not only should you expect these questions, but also prepare for them. Have all the necessary paperwork ready (rates bills, building and pest reports, renovation history) and consider your answers so that you don’t put your foot in it and hurt your chances of selling.
Take all of these tips into account, and come armed with a good real estate agent and you’re open home is sure to be a runaway success. Have a question? Call YES Real Estate on 1300 032 669
