Helpful Hints & Tips When Showing Your Home Each house has its own unique selling points, so you’ll want to talk to Susan Horak or one of the Susan Horak Group buyer specialists about the best way to present your house. Until then, keep these general concepts in mind: Clean House A clean home is essential to a good impression. Dirty floors, grimy walls and filthy carpet can undermine a wealth of positive features in a house. Hire a cleaning service if time is limited. Clean Yard
Mow the lawn and be sure toys and yard equipment are put away.
Nice Touches Serving cookies creates a welcoming touch, but don’t go overboard, and be sure the kitchen is cleaned up. Keep it Safe Although the real estate salesperson will be on site during the open house, use common sense. Out of sight, out of mind is a good maxim to use. Light the Lights
Lights make counters and flooring gleam and can make the house seem larger and more open.
Protect Pets Pets are often disturbed by visitors trooping through their home and can be a problem for visitors as well. Crate your pet in a room that can be closed off, or take them to a neighbor’s house or pet care for the day. Leave Home It's uncomfortable for prospective buyers to look through your cupboards and closets and express opinions of your home while you’re there. Send Flowers Put a bouquet of fresh or silk flowers in principal rooms for a touch of color. Quick Fix
Baths can bother so make sure yours is squeaky clean. Clean lime and soap deposits from fixtures. Get a major lift from a new shower curtain, fresh towels and new guest soaps.
Bake a Cake Don’t use potpourri or simmering scents the day of your open house. People may think you are attempting to camouflage unpleasant odors. The scent of cleaning products or baking is acceptable however. Set the Stage Set the table with pretty dishes and candles. First Impressions
Place a new, clean doormat at the entry.
Clear the Decks
Take one or two major pieces of furniture out of every room and place in storage to open up the space. Susan can advise you about what is appropriate to move.
Clear the Counters Put away kitchen appliances and personal bathroom items to give the illusion of more counter space. Light a Fire Nothing says home like a beautiful crackling fire in the fireplace. MOST IMPORTANT
Clean up any cluttered area. Simplify, Simplify, Simplify! Get back to only the basics. Try to pack up any excess personal pictures or collectibles. They may “clutter” the space and the buyer cannot see past your belongings. This can also cause spaces and rooms to look smaller than they really are. Let them imagine and see the rooms for what they are.