Dear Cuties,
Everyone has an opinion, and I would LOVE to hear all of them. Seriously. Here is the issue. I'm in the process of selling a house. It is in a fantastic neighborhood with great schools and walking distance to several businesses, but yet is quiet and peaceful. I'm trying to figure out WHAT to focus on before the open house. So my question to you is this: When you walk in to an open house (or pretend to), what is the FIRST thing that you would notice about a house OR what would be most important to you? I would appreciate some serious input to help attract buyers to the open house event. Thank you!!
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Street appeal. Make sure lawns and gardens are neat. Nice fresh smell with open windows (If it is not a windy day) Maybe some soft music. As others have said de-clutter, clean tidy kitchen sink. One big turn off for me is smelling some one has used the shower just before the open house time. Best of luck for a quick sale. Hugs Shirley
52686Hi , I am doing the same .Decided to downsize .Tidy yard. Keep as much off the kitchen bench as possible and also bathroom bench. Keep walkways clear .Keep rooms simple and of course tidy .Good luck .I do not go for open houses
46645My first impression is the Curb Appeal of the house and the neighborhood...then once inside...clean and tidy...no clutter, and then smell is next...
1 comment
by shirley124
11 Sep 2014
Well put. We went to a open house a couple of weeks ago and the musty smell of a closed house was a real put off.
318466Fresh and clean windows open if possible. I can't personally stand scented candles they block up my sinuses can't even walk into a shop selling them.
The first thing I look at is the look from the street. The neighbours yard for one. And if it a weekend how many cars do they have. Sounds silly but we recently got new rental neighbours next door who think our footpath is their car park and our driveway is theirs to use.
29726Clean and tidy. Heard that it is a good trick to bake a cake cause most people feel cosy when they smell fresh baked cake. Maybe this helps?!?
Think it depends on the needs what is important for you. For me it would be schools and local traffic cause of my kids. For other it is a nice garden or people in the same age in the neighborhood. Wish you good luck :o)
Greetings, Bettina
33986Seems we are all in agreement with CLEAN! Neat, clean & smelling good would be my first impression. I think a few personal items make it look more like a home instead of a house. Not all those adorable pics on the ref. of the kids along with their art work! But a single picture here & there of family would make me think the house was loved.
35675We recently sold ours very quickly - we made sure everywhere was clean and tidy, but didn't remove any of our personal things. It did help that the sun was shining and that we had recently refurbished the kitchen though!
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255054Also, my realtor told me to cook "Real-tea" - heat up cinnamon in water on the stove. It filled all 1600 square feet.
66910Seasonal blooms or great greenery at or near the front door. First impressions do count.
66910After selling a few houses, I learned to remove all personal (pictures, etc) of your family. Organization and cleanliness is the utmost. I suggest taking a picture from the clients vantage point and seeing what they would see. The first thing you notice, take care of. I hope this helps. Good luck.
1 comment
35167Being organized and clean, I think are key, and having a nice yard.
Good luck on the sale, hope it goes fast.
23282I don't seem to be able to add any more to what has already been said, so I'll just wish you every success for an early sale.. Marian
45918Will talk to my younger daughter on this as they have just sold in under a week of the house being on the market to see if more can be added to what you already have.
115758Dear Deanna, The first thing to hit me is the aroma (smell). When we bought Mum's home the lady of the house had freshly brewed coffee bubbling away. I love the smell of scented candles, but you shouldn't have them too strong because of people's allergies etc. Always have fresh flowers in vases in each major room. Also de-clutter - less is more! It's always easier to imagine your own furniture in situ when looking at another person's home. I never have anything on my kitchen sink and benches, hate a messy kitchen. Bathrooms and toilets too must be spotless. I'm sure once you've gone through a checklist you'll have it all looking spotless. Love and blessings Chris
1 comment
by pennifold
11 Sep 2014
Forgot to mention the outside of the house must be clean - tidy lawns, neat gardens, pretty flowers or trees/bushes.
234498Cleanliness and no clutter. Fresh scent of baking, or candles, . Maximize as much as possible the size of the rooms. If needed put some furniture in temporary storage. Good luck. I hope you are successful in selling your home in as short a time as possible. Hugs, Mary
33871Sadly, some people cannot see past other's clutter, so de-clutter as much as possible also stage the house in a way that it maximizes how large the rooms are and to have more neutral colors on walls.....and yes, fresh baked smells are always a winner......Good Luck!
261163ALWAYS have something nice baking in the oven .
The aroma of home cooking always helps. Ask me how i know :))))
Mabey also some very soft music in the back ground. Good luck :)
42046I would want a great fresh smell not too strong but noticeable . Also I would hate to see a cluttered kitchen put everything away in cupboards even if they don't belong in there just for the open day. Nothing on work tops . Sue
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