5 Expert Tips to Prepare Your Home For An Open House

It's a known fact that every seller, experienced or otherwise, wants to sell their home as fast as possible and for a better profit. However, it doesn't take an expert to know that it takes more than luck to make that predicament a reality. 

A part of careful planning and a viable marketing strategy is getting the maximum exposure possible for your home. It includes online listings, social media postings, referrals from your real estate agent, and of course, hosting an open house for prospective buyers and the general public. 

Although this type of marketing strategy tends to attract a lot of "browsers," if your home is clean, attractive, well-priced, and in good repair, it could turn a "browser" into a serious buyer. Remember, some purchasers want to get the "feel" of a neighborhood before they begin working with a realtor. An open house is bound to attract these potential buyers.

So, how does a homeowner prepare their home for an open house? Here are some expert tips before your next showing.

Declutter your home 

A messy home makes an unfavorable impression. Piles of clutter can pose as an eyesore when buyers are viewing your house, especially if you've collected a large number of items over the years. To sell fast, you'll want them to focus on the highlights of your home and not on the stack of mail cluttering the kitchen counter. Start cleaning up your clutter for a successful showing!

Depersonalize

Even if you choose not to be present during your scheduled showing, having personal items like framed family photos and memorabilia during your open house will still make your potential buyers feel uncomfortable. Help your buyers picture living in your home by depersonalizing at least a few days before your open house and create a blank canvass for your buyers as they explore your property.

Spruce up the curb appeal

Any potential sale will be lost in a snap if buyers won't even get out of their agent's car because of your upsetting exterior. 

Spruce up your home's curb appeal by painting your front door or adding a wreath of dried wildflowers, or placing one or two flower pots on your front porch to enhance the exterior. If you don't feel confident enough to tackle landscaping, you can hire a professional to do it for you and have him clean up your lawn. 

If you have any cracks on your walkway or front steps, consider hiring a contractor to address these concerns. 

Take out all signs of your pets (and any foul smell)

You have to remember that not everyone is a pet person, so if you've got one, it's best to tuck away your pet's toys, bowl, and bed-- and get rid of any foul smell too. A bad-smelling home, or one that smells like a dog's den, is a big turn-off for buyers. You'll want your house to look appealing to the masses if you want it sold as soon as possible.

Highlight your home's natural lighting

Do you want to know the best trick to making your home look better, both in pictures AND during a showing? Banking on home's natural lighting. 

Natural lighting has a significant effect on the quality of your listing pictures and actual showings. If you've got big windows, don't be afraid to open up those blinds and let as much light in as possible. The sunlight will highlight your home's best features and make each room sparkle, picking up all the beautiful details your buyer SHOULD be noticing.