How To Prepare For An Open House »
General Tips »
- Attend to any potential hazards.
- Lock away or remove valuables - i.e. jewelry.
- Avoid cooking food with strong odors.
- Fresh coffee or baked items very welcoming.
- In poor weather, provide a place for overshoes, boots, etc.
- In winter, if you have a fireplace have it lit.
- Assess what needs cleaning, repaired or changed before opening home to potential buyers.
Areas To Look At »
| Kitchen and bathrooms: | all surfaces cleaned, organize countertops, sinks and faucets work properly. |
| Other rooms: | vacuum, dust, remove clutter (including excess furniture), neatly store books, toys and clothing, clean mirrors, open drapes and pull up blinds on windows. |
| Floor covering: | remove dirt and stains, repair damages, hardwood covered by carpet - remove carpet and restore wood. |
| Walls, ceilings, baseboards: | clean fingerprints or stains. Repair holes, cracks, chipped paint, ripped wallpaper, water damage. |
| Doors: | fix squeaks and make sure handles secure and work properly. |
| Windows: | clean and repair cracks, easy to open. |
| Lighting: | sufficient light, fix broken switches and exposed wiring. |
| Pet areas: | clean, organized and odor free. |
| Outside the home: | gates open easily, clean exterior surfaces - decks, pools, walkways, driveways and make them tidy. |
| Seasonal issues: | snow removed from walkways and driveway, lawn cut, flower beds weeded, etc. |
