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Checklist for your open home.
You want to do your best to get the maximum exposure. The Open house may be for broker tour, or for
the general public. The latter attracts
many browsers. Either way first
impression is the lasting impression.
Firstly lets appeal to those five senses.
1. Out of sight, out of mind! Hide away anything you would not see
in a “model”home. This is especially true regarding trash! Remember to empty
all trash bins and remove them from sight. Keep in mind that potential buyers
look at everything! A clean property equates a well maintained property that
will get offers!
2. It is important that your property passes the “smell test”. Use
room freshners. Bake a batch of cookies
in the oven, or put on a pot of coffee before you leave, the aroma is
welcoming. Avoid cooking food with
strong odors such as fish.
3. Consider playing music that will not offend most people. No
Rock and Roll! We suggest playing soft background music that contains no
lyrics.
4. Potential buyers will be touching surfaces in your property. Be
certain that all banisters, handrails, doorknobs and faucets sparkle! You do
not want people to “feel” that your home is anything but squeaky clean!
5. Leave some Hershey’s kisses in a bowl near the flyers. It will
make potential buyers remember and feel good about your home!
6. CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!
inside your oven, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and everywhere else.
7. Check for cobwebs.
8. Wash all light fixtures so they
sparkle like new.
9. Clear any signs of clutter and hide
away all personal items.
10. Consider shampooing the carpets for a fresh clean look.
11. Wash windows inside and
out.
12. Place fresh flowers close to the entrance
door for a warm welcome.
13. Attend to any potential hazards — electrical
wires crossing open areas, sharp table or counter top corners, slippery stairs
and walkways, fragile items that can be easily damaged.
14. In poor weather, provide a place for
overshoes, boots, umbrellas and coats.
15. A warm fire on a cold day will make your home
feel inviting and cozy.
16. Lock away or remove valuables such as
jewellery, cameras, compact discs, coins and currency.
17.
Kitchen and bathrooms. Clean
all surfaces, including floors. Organize
countertops. Ensure all sinks and faucets
work properly. Put fresh clean towels in the bathrooms, rolled up elegantly.
18. Other rooms.
Vacuum and dust all areas thoroughly. Collect and remove all clutter, including
excess furniture. Neatly store books,
toys and clothes in closets and on shelves. Clean all mirrors. Open drapes and pull up blinds on windows.
19. Floor coverings (Includes carpeting, tile, linoleum,
hardwood, etc.) Remove all dirt and
stains. Repair any damaged areas. If there is hardwood under old carpeting,
remove the carpeting and restore the hardwood--a much desired feature in homes
today.
20. Walls, ceilings, baseboards. Clean any fingerprints or stains. Repair any holes, cracks, chipped paint,
ripped wallpaper, water damage. If
necessary, repaint in neutral or complimentary colours.
21. Doors.
Fix squeaks and any other problems. Ensure the handles secure and work properly. Clean any stains.
22. Windows.
Clean and repair any cracks. Ensure
they open easily.
23. Lighting--Check to see there is sufficient
light. Attend to any broken switches, exposed wiring.
24. Pet areas--These should be clean, organized
and odour free.
25. Outside the home. Ensure all gates open
easily. Clean all exterior surfaces, including decks, pools, walkways and driveways
and make them tidy. Depending on the time of year, lawns should be mowed,
walkways and driveway cleared of snow, leaves removed, trees pruned, gardens
weeded, hedges trimmed.
26. Put an elegant new mat at the front door.
27. Your street numerals should be polished and
visible.
28. Put an elegant center piece on your dining
table.
29. Make sure fireplace is clean.
30. Turn on all the lights. If the weather is good, open all the windows
for light and fresh air.
Finally,
Leave! Go out for a nice meal and try to
relax during while Anthem holds your open house.
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