How to Prepare for an Open House

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.