An open house is your opportunity to show off your property. This time is when buyers will decide whether they want to make an offer or not, so presentation is key. Help your home look its best by implementing a few proven preparation strategies that real estate agents have used for real estate listings with considerable success.

Guide to Open House Preparation for Real Estate Listings

1. Professional Cleaning

Your home should be clean, and it’s best if you don’t do it yourself. A professional cleaner will come in and notice the messes that you’ve become accustomed to. They’ll conduct a thorough cleaning so that even the most discerning buyers won’t find dirt that puts them off.

2. De-Personalize

When buyers walk into real estate listings, they need to make an emotional connection. They are more likely to make an offer if they can picture themselves living in your home. Put away everything that is uniquely you. These items include kids’ trophies and fridge artwork, religious articles, and family photos.

3. Freshen the Air

Ask a third party – such as your cleaner or real estate agent – to tell you what your home smells like. You get used to the way your house smells, but buyers will notice. Use deodorizers if necessary, give pets baths, and open your windows to let in the fresh air. Avoid air fresheners, since buyers may have an unpleasant reaction to the scent you pick.

4. Boost Curb Appeal

Curb appeal determines that valuable first impression that buyers get when they pull up. Mow the lawn, weed the flower beds and lay down fresh mulch, hose down the driveway and walkway, and prune your shrubs.

JoAnn Meier at RE/MAX First Choice is the top local realtor to help you with selling a home in the Waterloo, IL, area. She will guide you through every step of the process with valuable advice and support, from open houses to contract negotiations on real estate listings. Since starting her real estate career in 1984, she is a master at navigating the complex sale process and help her clients achieve their goals. Learn more about the team online, or call (618) 939-6003 to get started.