How to get ready for an "Open House"

As a Realtor I have held many open houses and I always have the same advice for my clients. The key to preparing your house to show is fairly easy. The first impression is going to stay with the potential buyer. The home should, upon first inspection, look neat from the curb, ie: curb appeal. It should smell clean on the inside and be relatively clutter free. Sounds like a no brainer, right? I can make it an easy step by step process which gets results.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• paint
• bouquet of flowers
• cookie dough or frozen apple pie
• assorted large boxes for storage
• a couple of bags of mulch
• a few pots of flowers (get them pre-potted at any home improvement store

1. 
    
   Paint entry doors or trim

   Stand at the end of your driveway. Does your house look neat from the exterior? Put away any lawn equipment, garbage cans, bikes and the worst offender: TOYS. Put small items in boxes which will be placed neatly in the garage. If your lawn is spotty in areas, spread some mulch. Mulch is cheap and makes a yard look well kept. Spray down your entry and put a few flower pots at the front door. I like red flowers like geraniums or impatiens. Hang a holiday appropriate or seasonal wreath on the door. Make sure everything else is removed and stored. If your door is beat up looking, apply a fresh coat of paint. Paint smells good and clean and does wonders for everything it touches.

2. 
    
   Pet odors will turn people off!

   Inspect the inside of the house upon entry. First and foremost, does it smell fresh? Fresh is different than overly scented. That is why I do not recommend candles. Alot of people hate them and/or are allergic to them. Instead put a frozen apple pie in the oven and bake it before you go. Same with cookies. It sounds corny, trust me it works! Clear off all tables and place items in boxes to be stored temporarilly. Place a vase of fresh flowers on the coffee table or entry table. Make sure all dogs or cats are outside. Check for dog odors. Ask someone else if they smell "pet odor" when they come in your house. Ask them to be honest. Most pet owners are immune to the smell and it can be a deal breaker.

3. 
    
   Good luck on your open house!

   Use your common sense. Use paint to touch up scuff marks. Pack away all of your personal debris: papers, stacks of mail. The trick is to make the home look clean and comfortable so that the prospect can visualize THEIR FAMILY living there. You don't want them overwhelmed with the image of YOUR FAMILY living there.

4. When you leave take one last look around. Turn lights on in the bedrooms, closets and main living areas. Make sure the kitchen counters are clean and tidy. Walk through the house and check each room.

Tips & Warnings

• Break your house down room by room and tidy each one
• Don't use aerosol sprays or scented candles. Many people hate the smell.
• Don't spend alot of money on supplies. Elbow grease is mostly required