Open House Tips and Tricks

Open House Tips and Tricks

Presented By The

 Happiness Is Our First Concern

First impressions matter! These Open House Tips and Tricks will give your home the best first impresssion when buyers come to visit. As you begin the process of selling your home, contact The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team at 678.929.6529 or visit us at www.mevhomes.com. Our team specializes in Luxury Real Estate in the communities of North Fulton and Forsyth Counties in Georgia.

Curb Appeal
Yard landscaping and exterior of your home must look clean and tidy.

• Plant colored flowers in pots, cut and edge the lawn, and place a fresh layer of mulch/pinestraw in the planting beds. 
• Clean up any random debris or toys lying around. 
• Take a look at your front door and remove all cobwebs and consider a fresh coat of paint. 
• Be sure you have a bright, fresh doormat. 
• Check the entry way and don't leave shoes on the floor for visitors to stumble on, and get rid of that stack of mail on the hall table.

Clear the Clutter
It is difficult for prospective home buyers to envision living in a house filled with someone else's personal items. Make sure every surface of your home is clean and clear of clutter.

• Kitchen: Uncluttered counter tops for buyers to envision how their own appliances would fit.
• Bathroom: Put away all personal items, including toothbrushes and toiletries.
• Bedrooms and Living Area: Pack away personal items that might prevent buyers from imagining themselves in the house.
• Don't hide the clutter in the closets or cupboards. Most open house guests open closets and many look in kitchen and bathroom cupboards too. So, don't hide anything in the house you wouldn't want to be seen.
• Take down the family pictures, special collections and displays.
• Pack a few boxes early. 

Clean, Clean, Clean! 
Be sure buyers remember that your house is spic and span and not dirty and smelly. 

• Wash the carpets the day before the open house.
• Wash windows inside, outside and including the tracks.
• Dust everything.
• Make the beds, and do the dishes. 

Organize Closets and Storage Spaces
Storage space is a key concern for most home buyers.

• Clean out any extra items and make sure these spaces are well-organized. 
• Make closet floors free from clutter and shoes. 
• Investing in some shelving and stackable bins to really show off the space.

Set the Table
Buyers will find themselves picturing what it would be like to entertain in the home.

• Arrange the dining room and kitchen tables with your best tableware. 
• Add some fresh flowers and candles.

Leave Out Treats
You want your home to feel inviting and welcoming. 

• Put out a plate of cookies or brownies, or individually-wrapped candies or chocolates. 
• Offer bottled water, hot cocoa or lemonade.
• If you live in a region that is known for a specific type of food consider offering a “taste” of the area. 

Lock Up Valuables
When you leave for the open house, don't assume that all of you possessions are safe.

• Lock up, or pack-up and remove your valuables (i.e. jewelry, coin, cash, special antiques, etc.) 

Let It Shine!
Buyers are looking for a place to live, breathe, and relax.

• Be sure that as much natural light as possible is entering the home - open curtains and shades.
• Turn on all the lights. 

Skip Smelly Scents
Anyone who has ever faced seasonal allergies knows how annoying a little pollen can be. For those with permanent allergies, even a burning candle can induce an allergy attack that will force your potential buyer back to their car and headed to the hospital.

• Consider opening a window to air out the house - weather permitting.
• Looking for allergy-free options like making hot apple cider to clear the air before the open house.

Set Music
Light and music can subconsciously impact how a potential buyer feels about the home.

• Play some soft music throughout the house.

Easy Access
Open Houses may be difficult for potential buyers to navigate – especially when parking is difficult to find.

• Move all cars are out of the driveway.
• Consider asking neighbors to move their cars from nearby curbs to make room.

Educate
An open house is a great opportunity to inform potential buyers about all the details critical to selling the house.

• Include information related to inspection reports, appraisals, major repairs, and blueprints. 
• Inspection and blueprints inspire a potential buyer to make possible additions. 

Show and Tell
A picture is worth a 1,000 words.

• Consider creating a picture bulletin board of what the home (and it’s surrounding foliage) looks like throughout the year.

Let In The Nosy Neighbors
We all know how nosy neighbors can be – and what better chance to fulfill their needs and yours than to hold a special preview just for your neighbors?

• Consider opening the doors an hour early for a “Neighborhood Preview Only”. 
• Create a few special flyers for the neighbors advertising these “special hours”. 

Leave Flyers and FAQ Sheets
An informational flyer with one or more high quality photos of the home can be a great selling tool.

• Offer insider information about the neighbors, the local school system, and any other benefits to the area.

Make Yourself Scarce
You shouldn't be home during an open house.

• Buyers will feel more comfortable asking questions to the realtor, and discussing the benefits and drawbacks of your home. 
• If you have pets, make sure you take them with you.

For more Open House Tips and Tricks contact:

The Mary Ellen Vanaken Team of Keller Williams Realty www.mevhomes.com
678.929.6529  
5780 Windward Parkway
Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30004

Open House Tips and Tricks