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Top Ten Tips for Getting your Home Open House Ready
1. Clean, Clean, Clean
Steam clean carpets, wash walls, heating vents, light
fixtures and baseboards. Scrub
kitchens and bathrooms (no tile grout mildew), including appliances
inside and out, until they shine. Wash
windows inside and out.
2. Remove Clutter
A clutter free home gives the impression of a spacious
home. If the closets are
jammed to the rafters the buyers will question whether there is enough
space for their belongings. Give away outdated, seldom used or
unnecessary items. Begin
your pre-pack by boxing up seasonal clothing, children’s toys and at
least 50% of kitchen, bathroom, clothing and linen cabinets or closets.
Rent a storage locker to store the items until you move.
3. Remove Personal Items
Box up all personal non-essential items such as
collectibles, knick-knacks, family photos, souvenirs and valuables.
It helps buyers envision themselves living in the house if it is
devoid of the current owner’s personality.
4. Freshen Up
Paint tired walls in
neutral colours. Replace
worn carpeting with neutral new carpet or laminate flooring.
5. Create Spacious Rooms
Remove excess furniture to
make rooms feel more spacious and arrange remaining furniture around the
focal point of the room.
6. Lighting
Clean and/or update all light fixtures and clean or
replace light bulbs. Turn on all light fixtures for the showings.
7. Make Minor Repairs
Fix leaky faucets, broken doorknobs, non-functioning
electrical switches or outlets, etc., and any uncompleted projects or
repairs.
8. Pets and Odours
Remove pets from homes or keep them contained in a
closed room during showings. Refrain from smoking in the home or
cooking foods with strong odours such as fish. Open windows for 20
minutes prior to the showings to air out the home.
9. Make Buyers Comfortable
Ensure the home is neither too cool or warm for
showings so potential buyers will be comfortable and want to linger in
the home.
10. Curb Appeal
Paint the front door and place containers of colourful flowers or
plants at the entry. Make
sure the front yard is clear of clutter – remove children’s bikes,
etc., and move recycle bins to garage or side of house. Replace light fixture and house numbers if outdated and worn.
Make sure lawn is cut, gardens are weeded and shrubs pruned. Don’t forget the backyard – keep lawn trimmed and gardens
weeded and remove clutter.
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