5 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for an Open House
Once your home hits the market, hosting an open house is not uncommon. These are great opportunities for potential buyers to take a look around your house in a low-pressure setting. In Oklahoma, typically these are on Sunday afternoons for a couple of hours. While it may seem like there’s not much you can do since sellers aren’t present during this time, there is actually quite a bit you can do to help ensure the open house is successful.
Here are 5 ways you can make sure you have a successful open house.
1. Clean and Declutter
This goes without saying, but a cluttered and messy house is a big turn-off to buyers. It’s hard to see a house’s potential if you can’t get past the mess. Before hosting an open house, be sure to minimize messes and do a thorough deep clean (either do it yourself or hire someone to come and clean a day or two before).
2. Pay Attention to Smells
When people walk into your house, you want it to smell clean and inviting. Make sure you do what you can to remove any pet odors and/or particularly stinky areas a few days before the open house. One tip I like to recommend is to bake some cookies just before leaving, that way not only does your house smell like cookies, but you also have some to leave out for potential buyers!
3. Secure your Valuables
The unfortunate reality is theft happens. Because of this, it’s a wise decision to secure any valuables and remove anything important from your home before hosting the open-house. This protects you and also ensures only interested buyers stick around.
4. Spruce up the Exterior
No matter what season your open house is in, it’s a good idea to spruce up the exterior of your home. Curb appeal is important to buyers, and you want to do all you can to make sure people who pull up to your house actually go inside. Make sure your lawn is nicely manicured and consider adding some fresh flowers and plants to any flower beds you may have.
5. Invite Everyone you Know!
Lastly, while your Realtor will do your primary marketing, you can help out by promoting your listing and open house. Share it on social media, text or email it out to your friends, and post in your online neighborhood group. The more you can help to spread the word, the better chance you’ll have a good turnout.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to list your home and are considering hosting an open house, I’d love to help! Reach out anytime at traceyrice@kw.com or 405-226-3770.