Get your House Ready for Prospective Buyers

When you’re ready to sell your home, there are a few things you can do to help make the space more welcoming. Small changes can make or break a potential buyer’s first impression, so it’s important to ask your realtor what fixes you can implement to help prepare your home for open houses and private showings. Here are some quick and inexpensive fixes to try.

De-clutter A messy space is a turn-off for most people. A clean and tidy living space, on the other hand, will help prospective buyers see the space and not the stuff that occupies it. Removing personal items will not only help de-clutter the space, but also allow the buyer to imagine his or her own items on display. That’s ultimately the goal – for the buyer to imagine living in the home. And, if all of your stuff is scattered everywhere, that will be harder for them to do. You can keep a couple of things out on counters, mantles, and tables, but scaling down on accessories or adornments can go a long way in preparing your home for showings.

Outdoor Space A clean and tidy outdoor space is equally as important as an indoor one. Whether it’s your front porch, driveway, balcony, deck, backyard, garden, or pool house - keeping these spaces clean and clutter free will allow the buyer to imagine spending time in those spaces, and utilizing them. Pool toys or garden tools should be stored away. Outdoor furniture, grills, and kitchenettes should be clean. If you have a balcony, keep the furnishings so the buyer can see how big the space is. This might be the one place where you might not need to put away any furniture or accessories.    

Scent Realtors sometimes like to light candles, or bake chocolate chip cookies, when hosting open houses. The reason we do this is because scent can make the space feel more homey, cozy, and inviting. What’s better than the smell of freshly baked cookies right out of the oven; or, the fresh scent of vanilla, pine, or citrus from a newly lit candle? Many scents evoke feelings of calm, and providing a fresh clean or warm scent while buyers are touring a property can make for a more positive experience, and one they’ll remember on their home search.

What are some things that stand out to you at open houses?