1,2 & 3 – Get Your Home Ready for an Open House in 60 Minutes!
As a seller in real estate Canada, you need to use as many marketing tools as possible to ensure you get top-dollar prices for your property. One of the more popular sales tactics to showcase your house for sale in Kitchener or Mississauga is to host an open house. There is no getting away from the fact that getting your home ready for an open house requires planning and attention to detail. However, there may be times when you are pressed for time and do not have the luxury of taking things at a slower pace. To help you cope with such instances, we list simple tips to get your home ready for an Open House in 60 minutes and still make a lasting impression.
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Tip 1: Make Your Guests Fall in Love!
Potential buyers attending your open house should feel an immediate emotional connection to your home.
Instant Fix
Take a moment to survey the entrance area – make sure the front door and the space around it are spotless. Everything should be in its place, including footwear and plants. Any distractions from the main door should be hidden from view – out of sight, out of mind.
Inside, focus on creating an inviting atmosphere. Your house should feel cozy – not too hot or too cold. Switch on the thermostat to bring in a comfortable temperature, especially during winter in Ontario.
Open curtains and blinds to allow natural light to flood the rooms. In addition, switch on all the lights, instantly creating a warm and welcoming ambiance.
Unpleasant odours are a big no-no. Avoid cooking food with strong smells – such as fish, fried foods, onion, or garlic, for at least an hour before the open house. Remove other sources of unpleasant smells, such as dirty laundry or pet bedding. Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your home.
Do not go to the other extreme and unleash overpowering air fresheners or candles. The key is to create a pleasant aroma; opt for subtle and neutral scents for your open house. Keep in mind that many people are sensitive to strong smells.
You can also play soft music if you like. Again, you must be mindful of other people’s sensibilities and stick to non-intrusive generic music. Additionally, avoid running any noisy appliances during the open house.
If you are a pet owner, arranging a pet sitter is a good idea. If this is impossible, try your best to keep your furry friend in one room. It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone is pet-friendly, no matter how well-mannered they may appear to be.
Continuous Drive
You know it; people have an instinctive reaction when they see something for the very first time. It is up to you to ensure your home looks good enough for visitors to fall in love with it.
Once you decide to list your semi-detached house in Toronto for sale, you must continuously try to present your property in the best light. Ensure the lawn is well-maintained and trim any overgrown bushes or trees. Add a fresh coat of paint to your front door and consider adding a lighting feature. If required, power wash the porch and the driveway to keep it looking clean. These small improvements positively impact a buyer’s initial perception of your home.
Tip 2: Highlight Your Home’s Best Features
The average price for a detached house for sale in Kitchener in the month of February 2024 was $841,000, per the latest stats from the Waterloo Region Association of Realtors. Every home has unique features that set it apart from others – you must identify and showcase these selling points during the open house to get a good price.
These features enhance your home’s appeal to potential buyers, leading to a quicker sale at a higher price. You can also research simple DIY ideas for renovating your living space.
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Take a moment to highlight your home’s best features. For instance, if your rooms have a breathtaking view, ensure it’s visible by cleaning the windows and drawing back the curtains.
If you have recently finished your basement, do a brief sweep to keep it looking its best. Ensure information about recent renovations or upgrades, such as a revamped kitchen or new appliances, is available to visitors.
Continuous Drive
One of the biggest selling points for your property is its cleanliness and maintenance. Even before you schedule an open house, it is crucial to repair or replace any broken fixtures in the home and ensure that regular maintenance is carried out. Keep all the maintenance records handy. It is also essential to ensure that the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems are in optimal condition and comply with all regulations.
Tip 3: Clean and Declutter
We cannot stress this enough – this is the most important step, and there is no glossing over it. A clean and clutter-free home is essential when hosting an open house in real estate Canada. Potential buyers want to think of themselves living in your property, and a messy or disorganized home is a major turnoff.
While an experienced Realtor can help you with the finer points of home staging, it is on you to get your basics right. Deep-cleaning and decluttering your living space makes the process so much easier.
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Remove unnecessary items, personal photographs, and decorations to create a clean and spacious feel. A couple of moveable storage bins can come in handy, where you can quickly dump the children’s toys and outside clothing and retrieve them later when your guests leave.
Next, quickly run a vacuum over your living room carpet, put away pots, pans, and cutlery in the kitchen, and wipe down any dirty surfaces. It’s essential to clean your home thoroughly, especially the bathrooms and kitchens, as these rooms tend to have a greater positive impact on buyers’ impressions.
Additionally, it’s important to clear out any medications from your medicine cabinets and secure all valuables either in a locked space or on your person during the open house. This will give you peace of mind and ensure that your belongings are safe and secure.
Continuous Drive
If you want to ensure that your house for sale in Brampton is thoroughly cleaned and looks its best, you should hire a professional cleaning service. Don’t forget to pay attention to commonly overlooked areas such as baseboards, windowsills, and light fixtures. You might also want to rearrange your furniture to maximize space and improve the flow of your home.
Renting a storage unit can be a great solution to store your excess belongings temporarily. Organize your closets and storage areas; it is a bad idea for potential buyers to be greeted with untidy piles, dust and junk when they open your drawers, cabinets and doors.
The Countdown Begins!
An open house requires quite a bit of effort and it takes time to do it well. We have given you some instant fixes as well as listed the continuous efforts that you need to put in, to make sure your property attracts the best people.
For a successful open house in Canada, focus on these simple tips to make a big difference, even with just an hour of notice.
- Prepare your home by tidying up and creating a welcoming atmosphere with simple touches like candles or flowers.
- Ensure your valuables and medicines are secured.
- While instant fixes do help, being prepared in advance is best for a positive experience.
Take a walkthrough with your real estate agent before the open house. Their experience can provide valuable insights and showcase your home in the best possible light.
If you wish assistance listing your home for sale in Kitchener or other cities in Canada, contact us, and we will be happy to guide you.
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