Preparing your house for an open house

 
If you want your house to appeal to potential buyers, then you’ll need to prepare it properly for an open house. Here are some tips on how to do so!

1. Present a Favorable First Look: Deals are made or lost on the first few minutes potential buyers view your home, whether at a real or a virtual open house. The first thing they see is the exterior, so make sure lawns are trimmed, entranceways are clean, and flowerbeds are freshly weeded. 
   
   
2. Cleanliness is Next to a Sure Sale: Scour your home and make it pristine. You may even consider hiring a cleaning service that specializes in staging homes for open houses. Don’t forget to check and clean windows, appliances, closets and garages.   
   
   
3. Clear the Clutter: If your house has lots of furnitures or collections on display, consider putting them in storage. Potential buyers want to be able to visualize how their things will look in your house. They won’t be able to do this if your stuff distracts them, so aim for sleek, streamlined, minimal look. 
   
   
4. Consider Staging: If you are trying to sell an empty house, or your furniture is worn or dated, consider hiring a company to stage your house for the open house.   
   
   
5. Open House is no Place for Pets…or Owners: One of the best things you can do to make an open house a success is to get out and take pets with you. Owners and their pets can be distractions. Vacate in lots of time and remember some potential buyers like to arrive early. 
   
   
6. Nowhere to Hide: Potential buyers snoop into every nook and cranny. That includes closets, basement, garage, sheds, drawers and cupboards. Remove any valuables and clear the clutter from closets, shelves and cupboards.   
   
   
7. Put Your Best Foot Forward: Open curtains and let in the light. Bake bread or brew coffee before the open house, or set out flowers in an attractive vase to make an impression!