There’s a lot to do when you’re getting ready to sell your home in Philadelphia, such as looking at what similar homes are selling for, to make sure you’re not over- or under-pricing your place. If you’re going to buy again right away, you might be in the midst of searching for a new place as you prepare to sell your current one.
While they aren’t essential when it comes to house sales, plenty of sellers find that offering an open house is one way to attract potential buyers to the home. Hosting an open house involves more than simply unlocking your front doors and letting people a take a look. To improve the chance of someone being interested in your property, you want to do a number of things to get it ready.
1. Ditch the Clutter
Rule one of house sales is to ditch any and all clutter from the home. Getting rid of clutter not only makes packing up and moving easier later on, it also makes your home look a lot nicer to potential buyers. It’s a good idea to clear off the counters, end tables, and other surfaces throughout the home. Pack away framed family photos, little tchotchkes, and books or magazines. Clear out closets and other storage areas, too, so that buyers can get a clear sense of the amount of storage space available.
2. Check the Scent
The science of scent can be complex, particularly when it comes to house sales. If you’re trying to make your house smell good, it’s usually best to go with a simple, one-dimensional scent during an open house than with a multi-layered, perfumy aroma. Keep in mind that you can get used to certain odors. Ask a friend who doesn’t spend much time at your home to give it a whiff and let you know if they smell anything off, whether it’s the scent of a litter box, general staleness, or the smell of mold.
3. Clean Up Outside
Curb appeal is key. Depending on the part of Philadelphia you live in, your outdoor area might consist of your front door and facade and a tiny concrete backyard, or you might have a grass-covered front and back yard, front porch, and garage. No matter the size of your outdoor space, tidy it up before an open house. The facade will be the first thing buyers see, so you want to make it welcoming. Clear away any debris, give the front door a new coat of paint, and spruce things up with some plants or a wreath.
4. Find a Place for Your Pet
Whether you have a dog, cat, or parakeet, it’s best to find a place for your pet to stay when you’re trying to sell your house. A pet underfoot can make showing your house more difficult, for one thing. Plus, there’s the chance a buyer will be allergic to animals.
5. Make Plans for that Day
Getting ready for an open house means getting yourself ready, too. Buyers might not feel free to explore a home if the seller is there, so make plans to get out of the house the entire day. Use the open house as an excuse to visit a museum or head to Fairmount Park.
While you might be able to sell your home without an open house, having one has its advantages. It can help you adjust to the idea of selling your home and let the neighborhood see what’s on offer.
For more information on how to sell your home, check out Coldwell Banker’s seller experience resources.
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