The 5 Most Common Open House Mistakes Homeowners Make
If you are preparing for an open house, you likely have a list of projects you need to complete around your home. Staging, upgrades, and repairs are all important when it comes to attracting offers, but you also need to avoid overlooking the small details that can make the most difference to buyers. Here are some common mistakes homeowners make when it comes to getting their house in open house shape.
Thinking Their Home Is Clean Enough
Most homeowners know they need to clean their home before an open house. If you plan on cleaning your home on your own, however, you may be making a big mistake. When it comes to selling your home, the house has to be spotless. To achieve such a high level of clean, many homeowners opt to hire a cleaning service to take care of tidying up their home before an open house. According to Home Advisor, the average cost for a cleaning service is around $165 nationally. That’s a small price to pay when you consider professionals know exactly how to get your home looking its best. Plus, you’ll save a lot of time you could otherwise use on other projects.
Overlooking Details of Curb Appeal
The front of your home is what makes the first impression on potential buyers. Keeping your lawn trim and adding flowers are the basics of adding curb appeal. What many people overlook, however, are the smaller details that can make the most impact. Take a look at your roof to see if you need to have it cleaned. Another step people forget is having the siding on their home washed. It’s amazing what a quick wash can do for dirty siding, so make sure you have someone come out and get the outside of your house clean.
Not Having a Plan for Their Pets
You may think of your dog or cat as family, but buyers don’t always like to see signs of pets in your home. For many homebuyers, seeing fur, leashes or a litter box can be deal breaker, so make sure you take steps to get these items out of sight before your open house. Pack up any pet items and stash them in unmarked boxes. If you have photos of your pets, or any personal photos, it may be best to take them down until your home is sold. During your open house, make sure pets are also out of your home to avoid any issues.
Forgetting to Take Care of Simple Fixes
When you put together your to-do list, you may have included a few remodels and repairs. A fresh coat of paint or an updated kitchen can go a long way in driving up interest in your home. But before your open house, you should do a final walk-through to make sure smaller issues are taken care of as well. Check out any lamps or light fixtures to ensure no bulbs are burned out, being sure to check the outdoor lights as well. You should also look for any running toilets, worn or cracked light switches, and leaky faucets.
Leaving Storage Areas Cluttered
Many homeowners declutter every room in their home, but often forget to clean out storage areas. Closets, pantries and garages can actually be major selling points for potential buyers, so spend some time getting these spaces organized. If you’re planning to move, going through your things and downsizing is always a smart decision anyway. Get rid of what you can, and if you have anything leftover that doesn’t quite fit, consider renting a storage unit to keep clutter from filling up your storage areas.
Open houses are all about the details, so make sure your house is ready to wow. By taking care of these often overlooked tasks, you can help your home stand out to potential buyers. That means more offers for you, and less time on the market for your home. Good luck with your open house and selling your home!
Article provided by happierhome.net
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