Make your open house more successful

Sun., July 16, 2006

Don Walker The Spokesman-Review

If you are going to have an open house to show off the merits of the home you are putting on the market, consider hiring a cleaning service. Here’s why: a spotless home is essential because dirt and clutter will turn off a potential buyer faster than anything. If the cleaning service doesn’t include yard work, be sure to mow your lawn, and put away the equipment after you’re done. To provide a “fresh” entry to the home, turn the sprinklers on for about 30-minutes to make the lawn sparkle.

• Serve cookies, coffee and soft drinks (remember to clean the kitchen after preparation). To help limit clutter, use disposable cups, plates, and napkins.

• Prior to the open house, lock up your valuables and jewelry. It’s also a good idea to put away family photos, mementos and unusual art work. Although your realtor will be on-site during the open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone.

• You can add sparkle by turning on all the lights. Even in daylight, incandescent lights add sparkle. Set the table with your finest dishes and decorative candles. Put fresh flowers in your principle rooms for a touch of color.

• Flowers can go a long way toward upgrading a home with their aesthetic value. If you have a fireplace, light a fire. If it’s not in use, put a basket of flowers where the fire would be.

• Add new shower curtains, fresh towels and new guest soaps to every bathroom. Don’t forget to put out potpourri or fresh baked goods for a pleasant, homey smell.

• Take one or two major pieces of furniture out of every room to create a sense of spaciousness. This alone might sell your home. Put away kitchen appliances and personal bathroom items, too.

• If you have pets, send them to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, confine them in a room or in the garage and let the salesperson know where to find them.

• Leave during the open house time frame —it can be awkward for prospective buyers to express opinions about your house while you are there. Your REALTOR® is there to sell your home; let him or her do the job.

Follow any or all of these suggestions and, if the price is right, you should have offers.

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