Open House Checklist for Preparing to Sell a House

1. Plan Ahead
• Browse each room and rate your home from a buyer's perspective when considering different homes for sale.
• Weigh the options of hiring a professional home inspector and making repairs as needed.
• Have a yard sale! Sell, donate, or throw out any items you do not need.
2. Clean & Organize
• Do a complete cleaning of your entire home.
• Consider doing a steam cleaning of your carpets and drapes.
• Do a thorough scrubbing of the tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Deep clean the hardwood floors.
• Get rid of the spider webs and the dust bunnies
• Removed the oversized furniture that may clutter the home.
• Rearrange furniture in the rooms to present the most space.
• Fix any holes/cracks in the walls that you've been putting off.
• Painting the walls in neutral colors will display your home nicely.
• Clear the small appliances, toys, magazines, and pet items from view.
• Remove any personal items (photos, medications) from view.
• Clean and organize the room closets.
• Empty out the garage and store items off the premises.
• Valuable items, cash, jewelry, and important documents should be safely secured.
3. Maximize Curb Appeal
• Clear out the gutters and downspouts.
• Edge the walkways. Mow, water, and fertilize your lawn.
• Rake the excess leaves after you've trimmed the bushes and trees.
• Paint the exterior of your home. Don't forget details such as the trim, doors, and shutters.
• Inspect the exterior of the home and the roof so you can make any repairs.
• Mend any cracks that you may have in the driveway or sidewalks.
• The siding, eves, and windows should be power washed.
• Be sure to stow away and toys or unnecessary items from the lawn.
• Plant vibrant flowers in the yard or flower beds. Use flower pots on the porch.
• Clean up any pet droppings that your four-legged friend may have left behind.
• Sweep the walkways and the entryway to your home.
4. Kitchens & Bathrooms. A must!
• Mop, scrub, clean, and polish all floors.
• Be sure to clear off the countertops. (Clutter is bad)
• Dust and clean the appliances and fixtures.
• Clean out and organize the pantry, the cabinets, and drawers.
• Leave the toilet seat lids closed.
• Fresh, clean towels should be hung.
• Update or replace any outdated hardware or cabinets.
• Redo the old caulking that is around the sinks and bathtubs.
• Scrub off any stains that may be in sinks, toilets, and bathtubs.
5. Have A Comforting Feel
• Have refreshments out to offer.
• Keep the televisions off.
• Do not smoke in the home.
• Light some scented candles or bake some goodies.
• If it is a nice day, open the windows to let some air in.
• Have the blinds/curtains open to let in some light.
• Turn all of the lights on and replace bulbs with high wattage incandescent bulbs to brighten the rooms.
• Have a place to keep your pets on the open house day.
6. Show Off Your Home's Assets
• If you have hardwood floors, remove the rugs to show them off.
• Any decks or porches should have furniture and potted plants/flowers.
• Check your fireplace to be sure that it is functional.
• Pull back the curtains to show off nice views of your area.
• Make sure that the pool/spa area is clean.
7. Spread the Word about Your Florida Real Estate
• Inform everyone, family, friends, and neighbors of the time and date of the open house.
• Advertise your MLS listing in the local newspapers, real estate publications, and on free sites such as FlatFee.com.
• Have an exclusive broker's open house to let agents in your area know that your home is available and have refreshments ready.
• Open House signs should be put on the front lawn and nearby intersections with directions to your home.
8. Make Your Open House Count
• Have a fact sheet with your contact information and a description of the home's features for every visitor. A home flyer is available at FlatFee.com.
• Have the visitors sign a guestbook or open house sign in sheet.
• Be sure to have important documents available such as homeowner's associate rules, inspection reports, and purchase offer forms.
• Show them why you love the house!

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