How to Prepare Your Home for a Viewing or Open House
After viewing photos, videos and descriptions of your home, chances are that prospective buyers will want to see your listing in person. And for good reason! Attending a viewing or open house can offer an in-person experience that digital assets simply cannot compare to.
Potential buyers will have the ability to walk through your home, envisioning their life within your walls every step of the way. To help increase your chances of finding the right buyer and selling your home, quickly and for the right price, there are a number of things that you can do to prepare your home for a viewing or open house.
Let’s take a closer look!
Declutter
The first step to preparing your home for a viewing or open house is to declutter. I suggest tackling this task by going from room to room. You may want to use a bag for garbage and a basket for items that don’t quite belong. Once you have cleared the clutter, you can dispose of the garbage and put certain items back where they belong.
A great rule of thumb to follow is: if it can be stored, don’t display it.
From remote controls and video games, to spices, hygiene products and more, certain items truly look better when tucked away in a cabinet, bin or drawer.
Once you have decluttered your home, inside and out, it will make the remainder of your home preparation much easier to navigate!
Remove Personal Items
With personal items throughout the home, it may be difficult for potential buyers to really envision themselves living there. To truly create a neutral atmosphere that is geared towards a successful home sale, I suggest removing or minimizing your personal items.
This includes picture frames, diplomas, dog toys, spiritual items, sports memorabilia, and hygiene products, among others.
Clean and Tidy
To help your home make a lasting impression for all who enter, cleaning is an absolute must. To get started, gather your cleaning supplies and give yourself more than enough time to clean from top to bottom. While this can be done by yourself, you may want to enlist some help from your spouse, family or friends.
Cleaning supplies can include:
Garbage and recycling bags
Paper towels and/or a clean cloth
Multi-purpose cleaning solution
Broom, mop and vacuum
Soap and water
Glass cleaner
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or are running out of time, consider hiring a cleaning service! The right team of professionals can leave your home sparkling clean, in no time at all!
Deodorize Your Home
With any space, life is bound to bring the odd scent from time to time. To create a neutral experience for potential buyers, I suggest taking some time to deodorize your home. If anything, to enhance a clean and fresh scent throughout!
Here are some of the best ways to deodorize your home:
Vacuum and shampoo upholstered surfaces, including carpets, couches and stairs
Wash all bedding, towels and linens
Clean surfaces, including floors, the oven, fridge, and bathroom
Place containers of baking soda throughout to absorb odours
To really deodorize the scent within your home, a larger step that you could take is painting the walls. Not only can this provide the space with a neutral scent, but colour as well!
Enhance Curb Appeal
The curb appeal of your home truly acts as a first impression. And while it’s always said to never judge a book by its cover, the curb appeal of your listing really does act as a first impression to potential buyers.
You can enhance the curb appeal of your home in five simple steps:
Clean and dispose of debris
Remove and store clutter and personal belongings
Cut your lawn, water the grass and pull weeds
Repair any damage and elevate existing fixtures
Add a welcome matt and add seasonal planters
If you’re looking to really take things up a notch, I recommend adding exterior lighting! In-ground lights in the garden and illuminating walkways can really make a difference for your curb appeal.
Create a Welcoming Entryway
Creating a positive experience for your guests begins with the entry into your home!
A bright, clean and open space is going to resonate well with those viewing your home, helping to further enhance their initial impression.
Complete Repairs
The last thing that you want prospective buyers to focus their attention on is repairs that must be completed. Not only can this deter them due to the idea of having to complete the repairs themselves, but it can also lead them to wonder what else requires fixing or renovating.
To get started, take a walk through the interior and exterior of your home with a pen and paper. Make a list of all repairs that need to be completed, no matter how big or small. Then, make a plan to either address them yourself or hire a professional to assist.
Add Neutral Decor
For the finishing touches, add some neutral decor! This can range from throw pillows and blankets, to wall art, flowers, dispensers, and more!
When looking for neutral items, I suggest looking to incorporate organic colours and textures. This means anything that is connected to nature in one way or another.
Neutral colours can include:
White
Beige
Gray
Black
Brown
Popular, organic accent colours often include blue, green and yellow. Depending on the time of year, you may also want to add a splash of seasonal decor to really elevate your space.
Listing Your Home With Sonia Oliviera
With help from the right team of experts, you can feel confident as you list your home on the local market. For help preparing your home to list, scheduling viewings and everything in between, get in touch with me today!
I am more than happy to help you navigate your local real estate market, whether you're looking to list, buy or a combination of the two!
