Preparing for an Open House
by Megan Thriepland
So you’ve finished staging your house, you’ve decluttered, depersonalized and deep cleaned the house, but you still have to live in it. Whether you have a few hours before an open house or ten minutes before an impromptu visit, here are some tips and tricks to preparing your home.
Before the open house let your neighbours know about it, as they may know potential buyers. Put together a neighbourhood insider information package, including the best restaurants, local babysitters, closest grocery store, etc.
When prospective buyers visit it is best not to be there. Buyers will feel more comfortable speaking openly with the real estate agent about their opinions and concerns if the home owners aren’t present. Be sure to take your pets with you.
If you have to clean up quickly you can use a laundry basket to throw in any clutter and then take it with you when you leave. To be prepared for anything, put together a box withall the essentials for a refresh of the home. In your box keep:
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Clean dish towels for the kitchen.
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Clean bath towels for each bathroom
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Air fresheners
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Liquid hand soap
If you have an hour or more to prepare
Interior General
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Open windows to air out the house the day before (if you have a day to prepare and weather permits)
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Open all curtains and blinds
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Turn on lights and lamps
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Adjust the temperature (especially in winter)
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Play soft music though out the house
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Keep closet doors closed
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Place any clutter in a laundry basket and take it with you (such as mail, shoes, coats, kids toys, etc.)
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Vacuum all carpeted areas
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Place air freshener in hallways and entrance
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Sweep hard surfaces then spot mop any areas that need it
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Secure all valuables
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Store all keys and personal items
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Hide litter boxes, dog bed’s and feeding bowls
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Hide children’s toys
Kitchen
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Keep kitchen floor clean
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Empty garbage early
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Refill soap dispenser
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Wipe down all counters and sinks, clear counters of dishes, soaps, dish cloths and scrubbers
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Set the table
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Wipe down cupboards
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Remove any small appliances from counter such as toaster or coffee maker
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Make sure fridge is clean and organized
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Put up fresh dish towels
Bedrooms
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Make beds
Bathrooms
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Clean toilets, toilet seats and close all toilet lids
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Keep shower curtain drawn
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Put up show towels
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Refill soap dispenser
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Place new roll of toilet paper
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Clean mirrors and other glass surfaces
Laundry room
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Fold and put away any laundry (if laundry is not folded put in a basket and take it with you)
Exterior
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Close garage door
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Sweep all decks, walkways, porches and patios
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Mow lawn
After the Open House
After the open house its best to make an appointment with your real estate agent for the next day to get feedback about the house. You could ask what potential buyer thought of your house (what they liked, what could be improved) or what they thought of the asking price. Ask about web traffic for your listing and schedule another open house.
Continue keeping your home clean, you never know when a potential buyer or real estate agent may want to tour the property.
Hi! I'm Megan, Owner of Blue Pearl Staging and staging decorator. In my BLOG you'll find helpful information on decorating, tips for home staging, DIY projects and much more.
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