You have probably heard the phrase ‘never judge a book by its cover’, well that doesn’t count for open homes. Although it can be a nerve-wracking experience, first impressions matter. Make sure you showcase your property in its best light when opening the doors to potential buyers.
First impressions are made in an instant. To prepare your property for sale and ensure your open home is a success, there are several steps you can take beforehand.
Preparing for your open home
Home staging
Home staging involves arranging your home to be as attractive as possible for potential buyers. This includes decluttering, depersonalising, and arranging furniture to showcase the property’s best aspects. Hiring professional home stagers can help your property sell more quickly.
Virtual staging is another option that can help your property stand out online. This method can be more cost-effective than traditional staging, eliminating the need to rent or buy furniture and accessories. It also allows for quick and easy changes to suit different tastes. However, remember that virtual staging will result in an empty house during the open home, which may miss the chance to create an emotional connection with buyers.
Deep cleaning
It may seem obvious, but a thorough cleaning can make a significant difference when preparing your home for sale.
Clean all surfaces, including carpets, walls, and cabinets. Pay special attention to often-overlooked areas such as skirting boards, the inside of your oven and fridge, door handles, and light switches.
Ensure the exterior is also clean. Wash windows, sweep or water blast driveways, pathways, and patios, and remove dirt and debris.
Maintain the garden by trimming overgrown trees and hedges, mowing the lawn, and adding seasonal plants or flowers to enhance curb appeal.
Upgrades and repairs
Fix visible wear and tear, such as leaky taps, chipped paint, or loose doorknobs. These small repairs can make a big difference in how buyers perceive the property and can lead to a quicker sale and potentially higher offers. Although these are small issues, addressing them demonstrates proactive maintenance and instils confidence in buyers regarding the property’s overall condition.
Strategies for a successful open home
Promote on social media
Your agent can use social media to market your property and attract potential buyers to your open home. This usually involves creating engaging posts with high-quality photos and captions. Targeted advertising can reach people within specific demographics or areas likely to be interested in your property.
Tip: Share these posts with your own social network to reach even more potential buyers.
Create compelling listings
Work with your real estate agent to write a detailed and appealing listing that highlights your property's unique features, such as its location, amenities, and recent upgrades. Professional photography can show the property at its best, and a video walkthrough allows potential buyers to tour the property virtually, generating interest and anticipation for the open home.
Maximising the impact of your open home
Engage the senses
Don’t underestimate the power of engaging the senses when selling your home. Pay attention to pleasant scents, soft background music, and tasteful decor. Simple touches like fresh flowers or a scented candle can make visitors feel more comfortable and connected to the space.
Add personal touches
Enhance the open home experience by adding personal touches. Provide materials such as neighbourhood guides to help buyers imagine themselves living in the property.
Fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, quality linen on the beds, and new towels in the bathroom can make the home feel more inviting and welcoming.
Leave a lasting impression
Your agent will create informative brochures that highlight the property’s key features. They will also follow up with potential buyers who attended the open home to gather feedback. This feedback can provide valuable insights and help you make any necessary improvements.
By following these steps, you can maximise the impact of your open home and increase the chances of a successful sale. Remember, it’s not just about showcasing the property – it’s about leaving a lasting impression that resonates with buyers long after they’ve visited.
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