In America, 10% of people sell their homes directly from having an open house viewing. It is also an extremely easy way to get the maximum number of viewers in a short space of time – more convenient to you. The trick to getting your house sold quickly if you are having an open house, is to make it appealing, uncluttered and inviting. It makes it easier for the buyer to imagine themselves living happily there and looking forward to the future.
Spring clean the front of your home
The front of the house is the first thing that a potential buyer is going to see, so you want to make a good first impression. Using a pressure washer, make sure that the driveway is completely pristine and remove all the weeds. You can even use a pressure washer to smarten up the exterior walls and brickwork on your house. Make sure that your guttering is clear. Not only is a build up of moss and leaves unsightly, but a blocked gutter can also cause drainage problems and damp – not want a buyer want so see. Outside the house, decorate with some seasonal potted flowers. Spending $20 on plants is a small investment, but can make all the difference in making your home look appealing from the outside.
Declutter personal possessions
A buyer should be able to see your house as a blank canvas for them to personalize when they move in. This means that you should put away personal possessions. They do not want to see clothes lying around in the bedrooms, or a pile of shoes by the front door. If you haven’t got storage solution in the house, package up anything that is causing clutter in boxes and put it in the attic. Alternatively you could even rent a storage lock up for a couple of days. Around the house think minimal when it comes to ornaments and pictures. The odd family photo is ok, but clear your fireplace surround and shelves of everything except a few tasteful items, like a candle, or a potted orchid.
Rearrange your furniture
In the same way that you put away your personal possessions, it is a good idea to remove any furniture that is making your house look uncluttered. You can use Ghar360 to design a living space that is easy to walk around – especially if there are a lot of people at your open house. For instance, in the living room, a sofa, a chair, a coffee table and some soft lighting is plenty. You don’t need enough seating for a family of eight. Storing some of your furniture could mean selling your house faster.
Provide refreshments
When you are hosting an open house, be generous with refreshments. Make sure that there are the options of hot and cold drinks, as well as some glasses of wine for the adults. Providing some canapes and small sandwiches makes a potential buyer feel right at home. Spending $50 on a few delicious nibbles and drinks is a small price when you are hoping to entice guests to make an offer your home.
With a little preparation, your open house viewing can go perfectly. You will then be on the path to selling your house quickly and easily.
