Karen Sherrill, Realtor®
713.817.5710
Intelligent Real
Estate
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Keys to a Successful Open House
First impressions are important – that’s why it is
important that your home make a wonderful and lasting first
impression as buyers and agents view your home. No one knows the
charm, and things that make your home special. Make sure that
potential buyers can see these too. A way to prepare for an Open
House is to.....
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Walk
through your home as if you were a stranger
(hard to do – but very helpful). Sometimes we get used to the
way the door squeaks, or how you have to jiggle a handle just
the right way. Start at the sidewalk with a notebook and pen
and walk into and through your house making note of any items
that may need fixing or cleaning.
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When
you walk through your home does it
appear bright and airy? Now may be
the time to spruce up your home with a neutral paint inside.
Personalized colors are great for you, but you’re moving!
Buyers love homes that are move in ready. A coat of paint is a
great way to clean up walls and doorframes instead of spending
hours scrubbing.
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Pay
attention to your front entry.
Clean the door and replace hardware if very worn. How about
adding a new welcome mat? Make sure any plants in the entry are
alive and doing well – dead plants do not make a good first
impression.
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Does
your home smell?
Sometimes we get used to smells of smoke or pets. Invest in an
air filter if these smells overwhelm your house. The day of the
Open House, lightly spray some air freshener or bake some
cookies just prior to the Open House. It will give your home a
wonderful smell – and buyers will linger while eating cookies!
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Go
through the list you made and make repairs and remember to
clean, clean, clean. This includes bathroom and kitchen
fixtures. Make sure you look up to catch any cobwebs or to
clean lights, or ceiling fans. Don’t forget to clean windows as
well – you want to let all the natural light in you can.
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You’re planning on moving anyways, so begin packing clutter
away now. This is a great time to donate any unused items.
If you have too much furniture for a room, consider donating it
or renting a storage unit to store large oversized items. You
want your home to look spacious to buyers.
-
Speaking of clutter…..how does your garage look? Buyers
will be looking to see if your garage will meet their needs.
Show off all the space you can!
-
Now
that you’re outside – check out your yard. A little weeding,
pruning and few bags of mulch can make all the difference.
So now your
ready – your home looks marvelous! The day of the Open House,
pull up the blinds, pull the curtains back and do a last minute
check for clutter. I will do my best to show off your home and find
a buyer who will love your home as much as you do. |
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Intelligent Real Estate in
Houston and the Clear Lake Area