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If you're preparing to sell, open houses are a great opportunity to show your home to large groups of potential buyers at once. Making your home look good and feel comfortable will increase your chances of receiving offers. Here, Mary Vann of Coldwell Banker Gundaker in Des Peres, MO, shares some of her top do's and don'ts of preparing your home for an open house.

Do:

Remove personal items.

While you might love your family's photos and your child's paintings, it's best to remove them before visitors walk through. A clean slate gives buyers the opportunity to visualize the home as theirs, rather than someone else's. But don't worry; you can put your beloved pieces back up right after the open house.

Clean the interior and exterior.

It's always a good idea to deep clean every room before opening your home, but the outside is just as important. If you've put off updating the landscaping or fixing up the porch railing, it's time to get those crossed off your to-do list. First impressions make a difference, and every real estate professional will tell you about the importance of curb appeal. Take the time to power wash sidewalks, porches, and patios, and remove all children’s toys or other outdoor clutter.

Don't: 

Ignore your real estate agent's feedback.

open housesSometimes you might think you know best, but trust the professional to help sell a home. After all, they do this daily. If they offer feedback, don't ignore it, but find a way to integrate it into the process. You'll be thankful later!

Keep pets inside the home.

While furry friends are favorites for some, others might not be a fan of pets. Bring pets to a friend’s house or a kennel for your open house to prevent turning someone off because they don’t appreciate your animals as much as you do. Additionally, you should do an additional sweep of the house after your pet is out to remove excess hair on furniture and floors. 

Forget to prepare a treat for visitors.

The house buying process can be stressful, so try to have cookies or brownies out for visitors to snack on as they walk through the house. This will not only make them feel at home, but it will also open up an opportunity for your agent to approach them while they enjoy treats together.

A positive open house experience could be your key to sell a house. Mary Vann of Coldwell Banker Gundaker in Des Peres, MO, has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, and she will help you prepare for your open house. She goes above and beyond—aside from helping you buy a house or sell a home, she also works with her husband's contracting company to remodel or repair homes until they're ready to be on the market. To learn more about her services, visit her online, and call (314) 574-3030 to schedule an appointment today.

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