Many people want to sell their homes to move to a new location, migrate or to get a better one. Before they do they like to organise an open house where potential buyers could check out the home. This is a FrontDoor's Open House Checklist for Sellers obtained from the Internet.
Plan Ahead:
Walk through each room and criticize the home from a buyer's perspective.
Consider getting a professional home inspection and making necessary repairs.
Hold a yard sale. Sell, donate or trash anything you don't need.
Steam clean carpets and drapes.
Get rid of all dust bunnies.
Repair cracks and holes in the walls.
Paint interior walls with neutral colors, like beige, cream or light pastels.
Pale blues and greens are good for bathrooms.
Remove excess and oversized furniture.
Rearrange furniture to maximize space.
Organize room closets and store out-of-season clothes.
Thoroughly clean the entire home.
Scrub tile in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Clean hardwood doors.
Secure valuable items, including cash and jewelry.
Remove all small appliances, toys, magazines and pet items.
Remove family photos, personal collections and medications.
Remove items from the garage and store them off-site.
Clean, Declutter and Depersonalize
Maximize Curb Appeal
Paint the home's exterior, including trim, doors and shutters.
Power wash the siding and windows.
Inspect the roof and make repairs as needed.
Repair cracks in the driveway and sidewalks.
Sweep the entryway and walkways.
Mow, water and fertilize the lawn.
Trim shrubs and trees and rake the leaves.
Plant colorful flowers.
Store any toys or equipment lying on the yard.
Clean up pet droppings.
Clean the gutters and downspouts.
Mop and wax/polish the foors.
Clear the countertops.
Replace outdated hardware.
Clean appliances and fixtures.
Clean and organize the pantry, cabinets and drawers.
Replace old caulking around sinks and bathtubs.
Remove stains from sinks, toilets and bathtubs.
Keep all toilet seat lids closed.
Hang fresh towels.
Pay Attention to Kitchens and Bathrooms
Appeal to the Senses
Bake cookies or burn scented candles.
Offer light refreshments.
Install higher wattage incandescent light bulbs to brighten rooms.
Turn on all the lights.
Open windows to let in fresh air.
Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light and show off views.
Turn off TVs.
Relocate pets on the day of the open house.
Refrain from smoking in the home.
Remove rugs to show off hardwood floors.
Pull back drapes to showcase nice views.
Stage the front porch or deck with furniture and potted plants.
Clean the pool area.
Show Off Your Home's Best Features
Spread the Word
Hold an exclusive brokers' open house to let local agents know your home is on the market.
Offer food and refreshments.
Inform family, friends and neighbors of the date and time of your open house.
Put ads in local newspapers, real estate publications and on free Web sites like Craigslist.com.
Put up "Open House" signs on the front lawn and at nearby intersections with directions to the house.
Give each visitor a fact sheet with your contact information and a description of all the home's features, including room measurements, amenities and all appliances that will stay.
Ask visitors to sign in a guest book.