The decision to hold an open house is one made by home owners in conjunction with their real estate agent. In Houston open houses are greeted by agents and homeowners in different ways. While some believe it is an excellent marketing tool, others feel it has no value and is a complete waste of time. The latter group prefers private showings.
Yet, whatever side of the fence a buyer or real estate sits on, in Houston, open houses are a common practice that requires preparation. A house, unless it is one that is kept by a neat freak and obsessive-compulsive cleaner, requires certain things be done before it can be allowed to be open to the public. These actions need to be taken in advance of this type or any type of showing. It is all done in the name of selling your home for the best price as quickly as possible.
Preparing the House for Houston Open Houses
There are several things that every householder has to understand about open houses. They will attract potential buyers as well as gawkers. They require patience and the skilled handling of your real estate. They involve you giving over your home to strangers – generally on a weekend. They also require understanding what to do before someone can cross your threshold. Below is a short list of preparation tips for your home before you plan to take part in your agent’s weekend of Houston open houses.
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Declutter your home reducing the items to around half the norm
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Depersonalize the space by removing pictures and photos and personal mementos
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Polish, scrub, clean, buff and shine every exposed surface. This includes counter tops, tables, floors, doors, cabinets, stoves, fridges and any other surface that may be looked at or walked upon
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Organize your dresser drawers, and all closets. Remove material to make them less stuffed and more open
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Make minor repairs and remove obvious blemishes e.g. cracks, holes, scratches
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Rearrange the furniture to make the rooms look larger
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Place flowers in appropriate places throughout the house, but not heavily scented ones. Choose for color not scent
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Bake something in the kitchen and let the scent of cookies, pies or cakes linger. Alternatively, buy cookies to place on the kitchen table. Make sure they have a scent to spread throughout the kitchen.
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Clean the exterior of your home by power washing or other method making sure the number on your building as well as the exterior door is clean and sharp
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Enhance curb appeal by trimming bushes and hedges, mowing the lawn and deadheading flowers
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Sweep out the garage and make sure this and any garden structures are clutter free
There is one more thing you need to do before you give your house over to that round of weekend Houston open houses. You need to make plans for you, your family and pets to be elsewhere for the duration of the open house. This will allow your agent to do what he or she does best. It also lets potential buyers, and gawkers, to discover what an amazing home you have.
Houston Open Houses
In Houston, open houses still remain a common marketing tool. They do, however, make a high demand of everyone involved. If you want to sell your house quickly, it becomes important that you do your part. Declutter, depersonalize and disinvest yourself from your normal home. Make it picture and stranger perfect. In doing so, your home can easily withstand whatever the visitors to Houston open houses have to throw at you.
Are you looking for someone who understands your needs and respects your decision to sell or buy your home? If so, consider talking to the staff and agents at Weller Williams Realty. They can help you with every aspect of the transaction. From staging Houston Open Houses to turning over the keys after the sale, they are there to help you. Let an experienced agent help you buy or sell your home. To learn more about the agency and its services, visit http://www.kwmemorial.com/.
