Hosting a successful open house can make all the difference when selling your Maine home. It's the perfect opportunity for your real estate brokers to showcase your property and create a lasting impression on potential buyers.
Is your home ready to sell? To ensure that your open house is a success, we’ve outlined a few open house tips for sellers as well as some open house do’s and don’ts.
1. Make a Great First Impression
As potential buyers arrive at your home, be sure they get a great first impression. Invest in some simple curb appeal elements:
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Plant annuals near the walkway and entryway.
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Hang a wreath or other decor on the front door.
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Trim shrubbery.
2. Set the Stage
Once they enter your home, be sure to highlight key features. You can accomplish this by:
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Ensuring all windows are clean and streak-free.
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Opening shades and curtains to show off the views.
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Highlighting water views by arranging a seating area in front of that window.
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Investing in new throw pillows for couches and chairs.
3. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
Make your home look like you're expecting guests. These ideas can create a welcoming atmosphere:
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Set a pretty coffee tray on the kitchen counter with two cups and saucers, spoons and a small dish of cookies.
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Hang a couple of brand new, pretty tea towels from handles in the kitchen.
4. Depersonalize and Declutter
Make it easier for potential homebuyers to imagine themselves living in your home by tucking away personal items. An easy way to do this is to go room by room and put photos, your child's artwork, etc. into one box, which you can store in a closet. Next, go around your home with a discerning eye and remove all clutter. Only the bare essentials should be left.
5. Send Pets on a Vacation
Pets can be confused when strangers enter your home. Avoid this stress by sending your pet to a friend’s or relative's home. Be sure to remove all traces of your pet, too, including lingering odors.
6. Take Care of Repairs
Now is the time to take care of any repairs on your to-do list, such as a leaky faucet, running toilet or cracked window. You don't want potential buyers to be able to spot any faults in your home.
7. Organize Drawers, Cabinets and Closets
Homebuyers will open cabinets and drawers, so spend some time organizing your storage areas, too. You want to give the impression of plenty of storage space.
8. Stay Away
Avoid the temptation to linger during the actual open house. Your real estate broker is trained to handle the situation in your absence. You can always ask questions about how it went after the fact.
9. Hire the Pros
It can feel overwhelming to clean the whole house to the level needed for an open house. Take the load off your shoulders by hiring a cleaning service so you can concentrate on other things.
10. The Night Before
Avoid burning incense, which will create a lingering odor, or creating messes that will be challenging to clean up in time for the open house. Some people even recommend camping out at a friend's house overnight, or staying with parents for the duration.
As your real estate broker, we'll showcase your home’s best features while creating a welcoming atmosphere to attract potential buyers and secure a quick sale. Contact Swan Agency today!
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