Ready for Your Closeup
Now that you’ve got your place looking spic and span let’s do a little open house staging.
Warm, Inviting & Yummy!
- Got a dining room? Set the table with your best china. Place fresh flowers on the table. Eat in kitchen? Set that table as well.
- Make the kitchen smell like home baked goods. If you bake, have a freshly baked batch of cookies on the counter. If you don’t bake, pick up something yummy smelling from the bakery. Offer these goodies to your prospective buyers along with some freshly brewed coffee or tea.
- Freshen the smell of the other rooms but do so in a subtle way. Avoid overwhelming scents.
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That Peaceful, Easy Feeling
- Don’t play the stereo. One person’s music is another’s racket. Keep the place quiet and peaceful.
- Turn off the TV too.
- Open the curtains and let the sunshine in.
- If the appointment is in the evening turn on the lights in every room. We don’t mean the glaring overhead light. Turn on lamps, pot lights and track lighting. Create a well lit and warm atmosphere.
- If you burn candles they should be scentless or they should all be of the same scent. Be careful, many folks are allergic to scents.
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Park the Pets
- If you have pets its best to get them out of the house. Ask a neighbor, friend or family member to watch them. Many folks are not animal lovers and, in fact, many are allergic.
- If parking is at a premium, move your vehicle(s) down the street and give parking to the prospective buyers. This will also help to downplay the lack of parking opportunities.
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Know that you will get some “looky loos” at each open house. This is to be expected. Just remember, you never know who is a looky loo and who will make an offer.
Don’t get upset if someone makes an offer that you perceive to be so low that it feels like an insult. They’re just testing you. Make a counter offer. You’d be surprised how the insulting offer can turn into a mutually beneficial agreement. And remember, having an appraisal will discourage the low ball offer.
Author: Diane
Diane and her partners launched myplaceforsale.com in an effort to empower local homeowners who need to save money by selling their place on their own (FSBO). She's glad to help and welcomes any questions you may have.
You’re welcome. If you ever attempt to sell your home FSBO I hope you’ve learned something here that will help make your endeavor successful. Come back anytime!