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For the novice, preparing a home for sell can be a taxing and extensive undertaking. But with a little planning, a few professional tips and proper preparation even a first timer can achieve professional results. Opinions vary among real estate professionals as to whether holding an open house is a cost and time effective method for marketing a home. With the MLS, social media sites, and a host of other online tools, many feel that hosting an open house has out lived its usefulness. However, I’m not of that belief. The internet/computer is a great resource but until it can touch, smell and open closet doors, open houses will continue to be the most powerful human sensory tool for selling homes. With that said, a poorly prepared home can also be the most powerful deterrent for would be buyers. So let’s look at ways to make your open house a great open house.
You can only make one first impression.
When considering holding an open house, remember; hast makes waste. Do not rush your special date just because you feel pressured to sell or your Realtor is chomping at the bit to put your house on the market. Preparing the home for an open house should be as deliberate as a bride preparing for her special day. It serves no purpose for the Realtor or the seller to hold the house open if every possible measure has not been taken to ensure that the house makes a good first impression with potential buyers. Keep in mind; you are looking to impress potential buyers! NOT (the seller, the Realtor or the mother-in-law.) A good objective third party can provide invaluable advice and assistances in surveying your homes appeal. Contact a professional home stager, many will offer a complimentary evaluation with their services or charge only a nominal fee for a written report with recommendations if you prefer to DYI. You may also ask a neighbor who has recently purchased a comparable house within a few blocks to preview your home and give you feedback before opening the home to the general public. If you go this route, provide the neighbor with a check list of items to survey and let them know you welcome all feedback. The list should include curb appeal, interior appeal and cleanliness/updating concerns.
Serve no wine before its time
After you have received objective feedback and targeted recommendations, it’s now time to begin preparing the home for show. This part of the process need not be tremendously exhaustive or terrible expensive but it does need to be focused and deliberate. If your home is not market ready based on best recommendations you should expect to budget the equivalent of two months mortgage payments to achieve maximum results. (This is a small investment considering most homes that are not market ready spend 3-6 months more time on the market than those that are.)Start this part of the process by dividing your targeted recommendations into two lists, the first list being the most affordable projects you can reasonablydo yourself over a weekend. The second list should include task that will require professional assistances to be completed within a two week window. Plan your work and work your budget, be sure to get multiply written quotes from reliable contractors for the work requiring professional assistances. After the work is complete, it’s time to open the doors.
Fresh is always best
Set the tone for your special day by making all things fresh! Nothing says this house is ready to become your home like a new welcome door mate, a freshly manicured lawn, fresh mulch and a seasonal wreath on the front door. All of which can be accomplished with minimum effort and within the tightest of budgets. Once inside, the real show begins. Turn up the heat and pop in the dough, the smell of fresh baked cookies is always a surefire aromatic way to fill the home with the aroma of comfort and love. Soft music helps to bring the space alive without taking attention away from the main focus. Don’t forget to bring in the light, pull back curtains and turn on lights and lamps in every room, soft white 60 watt bulbs work best. Now the mood is set for a great open house and a quick profitable sell!
Written by David Dorbin “The Staging Agent” www.stagingthesouth.com
