If you’re getting ready to sell, it’s important to understand how to prepare for an open house inspection if you want to present your property at it’s best.
In the current world we live in, the era of potential buyers driving around on a Saturday morning looking at open homes isn’t quite what it once was. All the same, the process isn’t quite extinct yet, so it’s still important to understand how the processes work for open house inspections.
According to data from the National Association of Realtors, only 7% of all recent buyers purchased property via a street front open home sign. While a significantly larger percentage of those buyers found their new homes online (50%) or via suggestions from their real estate agent (28%), it’s also worth noting that 53% of these same buyers still used information provided to them via an open house inspection to make the final decision as to whether they would buy the property or not.
As such, the quality of an open house inspection is still very much a key factor to consider when trying to sell your property for the best possible price. Presenting your home in it’s best possible light is crucial when it comes to attracting the right types of buyers, and influencing their purchasing decisions – so how do you get it right?
Eight Open House Inspection Tips For Sellers
Holding an open house inspection is somewhat like a first date: you only get one shot to make a good impression, so make it count. Unfortunately, all it takes is one small misstep for a potential buyer to cross your home off their ‘yes’ list, but the good news is that there’s plenty of things that sellers can do to prepare.
Make It Sparkling Clean – Many prospective buyers have been put off a home that looks dingy, dirty and unloved, so don’t skimp when it comes to sparkling clean walls, floors, windows and even your outdoor garden areas. If it’s been awhile between deep cleans, don’t be afraid to invest the funds in a professional to get the job done properly.
Repair Obvious Issues – Although a building inspection will likely uncover any major repairs necessary, don’t ignore the small stuff like broken tiles or stains, as this can lead to buyers wondering what else they can expect to encounter regarding costly maintenance. Even if it’s cosmetic, take the time to address minor issues before your scheduled open house inspection.
Aim For Light and Airy – If your home feels dark and stuffy on the day of your open house inspection, expect buyers to head straight for the door. Make sure that your windows are dust and speckle free to ensure that your home feels light, bright and airy. Even if it’s sunny outside, turn on the lights, use lamps, and illuminate all of the special features of your home.
Set The Right Temperature – Your prospective buyers have made the effort to trek to your home to check it out, so the least you can do is ensure that they are comfortable. If it’s a summer day, crank the air conditioner so that it’s refreshing but not chilly. In contrast, if it’s the middle of winter, ensure that the temperature is warm without being stifling.
Don’t Forget The Smells – The aim of the game here is to ensure that the smells circulating in your home are warm, natural and inviting without feeling overdone. Well before inspection time, open your doors and windows to get as much fresh air into the property as you can, and go for neutral odours, air fresheners and oils such as vanilla, fresh flowers or even baked cookies.
Lock Up Any Valuables – In the rare event that one of your prospective buyers is feeling light fingered, take care to remove and protect anything precious or valuable before you open your house up to strangers. You can take items with you if you’re leaving the premises for the open house inspection, or lock them up in a safe or secure cupboard or drawer.
Send Your Pets Elsewhere – Although you may adore the furry creatures that are a part of your family, prospective buyers may not. Animal smells or stains can actively turn someone off your property, so clean any traces of hair from floors and furniture, stow away feeding bowls and toys, and remove any litter boxes or droppings from the yard while your pets get a vacay.
Styling Is Everything – The big factor to consider with any open house inspection is the styling, or how the furnishings are presented. While you don’t want your home to feel sterile or unlived in, you want to ensure that buyers can actively envision themselves living in the space. While you don’t need a brand new range of furniture, try to remove anything too personal like photos.
On the day of the open house inspection, it’s always a good idea to make yourself scarce so that your prospective buyers can explore the property in a relaxed manner without you feeling tempted to eavesdrop or make unhelpful commentary or contributions. It’s the role of your real estate agent to liaise with potential purchases, so try your best to stay away and let them work their magic.
Take The Stress Out Of Selling Property
A completely free service, Emergency Services Property Advisors provide property advisor services to Police, Fire, Ambulance and S.E.S personnel and their families right across Victoria.
Luke and the team at ESPA are passionate about providing support to some of Australia’s most valued public servants. Along with key industry insights, ESPA also works with a broad range of service providers linked to the real estate industry such as conveyancers, trades, legal practitioners and mortgage brokers.
If you are an emergency services worker looking to potentially buy or sell property in the future, please get in touch with Emergency Services Property Advisors today to discuss how we can turn your real estate dreams into reality, or call Luke directly on 0414 757 705.
