When you have an open house scheduled, there are definitely a few things you should do to make your home showcase ready. Below is a detailed list of everything you can do to prepare and make a great, lasting impression for the potential buyers visiting.
Open House and Home Showing Prep Checklist
EXTERIOR:
- Lawn should be neatly trimmed and free of pet droppings
- Weeds pulled
- Stairs and walkway swept
- Driveway freshly washed with hose if possible (*especially if asphalt- washing down gives a nice sheen).
- Home address numbers polished
- Mailbox cleaned
FOYER:
- Clear out all accumulated clutter such as mail, papers, miscellaneous keys, cell phone chargers
- All shoes, boots, skates, slippers etc should be put away
- Sweep floors
- Turn on lights
- Clean fingerprints off of switches
- Shine windows and or glass doors
BEDROOMS:
- Make the beds (using fresh comforters that were set aside for staging)
- Make sure all clothing has been hung up, put in dresser, or placed in a hamper
- Tuck hampers inside bedroom closets
- Put all personal items put away.*Make the bedroom as impersonal as you might find in a nice hotel
- Dressers should be clear except for items you chose to display when staging
- Close closet doors
- Open curtains and shades
- Dust light fixtures
- Turn on lights
KITCHEN:
- Empty sink and polish
- Wipe down counters (neutral odor sprays such as lemon scent)
- Spot clean floor if necessary
- Put away items such as dish draining rack, dish soap, etc. (Clean counters make room appear larger)
- Wipe down kitchen/dining room tables
- Place centerpiece (fresh flowers) or table setting so that table looks attractive
- Take out trash
- Turn on lights
- Clear off any photos /magnets on fridge
BATHROOMS:
- Put out fresh towels (save new clean towels solely for showings)
- Place fresh soaps accordingly
- Wipe down bathroom sink toilet and tub/shower
- Polish mirrors
- Make sure all personal items are put away (this includes toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, etc.
- Empty trash can
- Keep toilet lids closed
GENERAL:
- Open all blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible
- Make sure the property is left at a comfortable temperature
- Vacuum or sweep floors as necessary
- Pick up toys, books, games, paperwork that accumulated from the previous day
- Utilize totes for clutter overflow. These can also be used for excess laundry
- Windows and or mirrors should be cleaned often to remove fingerprints
- Keep with neutral cleaning scents (lemon or vanilla) do not use candles as this is sometimes perceived as a red flag
PETS:
- Make sure pets are secured preferably removed from the home
- Put away all unneeded pet bowls and toys
OTHER:
Add items here that are specific to your home that you will need to remember to do to keep your property ready for a showing at a moment’s notice.
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I hope this was informative for you. If you have any other specific real estate questions you can always e-mail me direct here at Connie.Irving@NEMoves.com If you would like this information in an easy to use Open House checklist, just send me an e-mail and I will deliver that to your inbox 🙂
If you have a specific question head over here and leave it for me. I will answer it on one of my next episodes of Ask Connie.