Judith Sutton ABR CRS IDS PMN ASP IAHSP SRES GREEN
Judy@JudithSutton.com 908 803-0472
EXPECT MORE
Open House Tips for Buyers and Sellers
How to make your open house go smoothly
Out with the old. It might sound a little harsh, but you’re going to want to remove about half of your belongings. The goal is to sell your house, so any unnecessary clutter can really just get in the way of that. This might mean storing away all those sentimental vacation knickknacks, framed family portraits, toddler toys, and bulky and oversized furniture. Buyers want to see fresh, clean open spaces. They need to imagine their things there, not yours. If storage is an issue, look into a nearby short-term storage facility to help move things out during this time. This will keep your things safe until you sell.
What’s on the outside counts. In this instance, what’s on the outside matters. First impressions are huge, so make sure your lawn is cut, trees trimmed, toys and garbage cans … are all stored away. Think about planting some pretty flowers or adding a few big flower pots and a welcome mat by the door. This would also be a good time to power wash the outside and clean the windows. Also, replace any outdated light fixtures and consider painting your front door a welcoming color. (see my suggestions on my "color" blogs.)
Shine up your kitchen and baths. Get them as sparkly clean as possible–we’re talking cleaning every square inch. Focus your attention on decluttering these spaces. Buyers want to see your countertops, your backsplash, your shiny appliances – not your blender, toaster, and junk mail. It’s also smart to clean out your pantry and refrigerator because people do like to snoop around.
Always take a final lap. Look at your house objectively, through the eyes of a buyer. Make sure you’ve depersonalized every room. That means dog beds, little Jimmy’s 3rd-grade artwork, closets stuffed with old clothes, toothbrushes on the bathroom counter … And then look at rooms that could use a little more sprucing up. There are a few simple and cost-effective ways you can make a room look brand new. Invest in a couple of new throw pillows on your bed and sofa, a new entryway rug, a neutral-colored shower curtain, and a bouquet of fresh flowers. Always make sure your home smells good. There’s nothing that turns a buyer off faster than a stuffy, smelly house.
Holding an open house is a great way to gauge buyers’ interest in a property and quickly assess whether the asking price is appropriate. And preparing for an open house really comes down to two things: cleaning and decluttering. With these tips, you’re well on your way to your next real estate adventure. And for an honest updated version of your perfect home, just call me. I can help!
COLDWELL BANKER
Guiding People Home Since 1906
908 803-0472
"...the right relationship means everything..."
SERVING THE SOMERSET HILLS AREA ONE CLIENT AT A TIME
Service & Experience
since 1983