Unexpected Products That Will Come In Handy For An Open House
When it comes to holding an open house, first impressions are key. You want your home to stand out amongst all of the others that potential buyers have already seen that day. According to Rocket Pro Insight, open houses give buyers the chance to get a general feel of the home and are a great option for buyers that want to see multiple homes in a day without going through the hassle of setting up an appointment. This also prevents buyers from feeling pressured into making an offer right away. If the potential buyer should take interest in your home, they can then schedule a showing with a real estate agent to get a more in-depth look.
From the moment someone sees your home, buyers start to form an opinion. Movoto says some buyers may have already judged your home from the listing photos they saw online, so make sure your photos are high-quality and showcase the best parts of your home. As for the open house itself, here are a few products that will come in handy for the big day.
Leaf blower and weed wacker
When you think of holding an open house, chances are you're focused on making sure the interior house is clean and tidy, but what about the exterior? The outside of the house makes an even bigger impression on potential buyers, says Investopedia, since it's the first thing they see when they come to the house. Because of this, it's important to make sure your lawn is cut and free of leaves and weeds, which is where the leaf blower and weed wacker come in handy.
Power washer
Speaking of your home's exterior, Bob Vila notes it's also a good idea to power wash your home the day before the open house. This makes your house look freshly painted without having to go through the entire process of actually painting it (and is a lot cheaper, too). Of course, this is optional, but it could really make a difference when it comes to your house standing out amongst homes that may have not taken this extra step. Think about it — if you were looking at two homes and one looked brand-spanking new, which would you choose?
New welcome mat
When preparing for an open house, you might not think of the little things, such as purchasing a new welcome mat. According to Realtor.com, a brand new welcome mat looks ... welcoming to anyone who visits. It's also an excellent distraction from things you may have forgotten to do for the open house, like getting rid of the cobwebs that have been collecting in the corners of your porch. Stick to a classic design that appeals to everyone, and save the "Live, Laugh, Love" mat for another time.
Robot vacuum
With so many things on your list, the last thing you want to do is spend hours vacuuming your floors by hand. Invest in a robot vacuum to do the work for you so that you can focus on cleaning the windows and finally filling that crack in the ceiling before the open-house visitors arrive. Unfortunately, robot vacuums can't replace your traditional vacuum due to their lack of hose and attachments for hard-to-reach places, according to Think Crucial; however, it will take care of the floors, which is one less thing to worry about.
Air freshener
Nothing turns away potential buyers faster than a home with a funky smell. The day before your open house, take an air freshener to the main areas of the house (entryway, kitchen, bathroom) to get rid of any odors, says HomeLight. To go the extra mile, spritz your furniture with a fabric refresher. When deciding which air freshener scent to choose, Petty Son and Prestwich suggests citrus, pine, and jasmine. These are known mood-boosters, so the viewer subconsciously equates that scent with the good feeling they experienced in your home.
Portable speaker
It's no secret music creates ambiance, which is exactly what you want during a showing. Choosing a playlist of soft, relaxing music can make the potential buyer feel more at home. They may picture themselves curling up on the couch with their loved one or reading their favorite book. On the flipside, upbeat music could persuade them to move quickly through the house and make a snap decision. It all comes down to personal taste, but the National Association of Realtors recommends pop or rock music — the top two genres to play during an open house.