First impressions count so increasing the initial appeal of your property is paramount in attracting potential buyers. An Open Home or OFI (Open for Inspection) is your opportunity to make an outstanding first impression on potential buyers. Understandably, this can be a little overwhelming for sellers. The key here is to focus on areas that will have the most impact; and listen to your agent. This may be your first rodeo with an OFI, but our agents are seasoned veterans.
When it comes to your home, you’ll most likely know its best features. A real estate agent on the other hand will have insight into current trends and buyer preferences. Based on your unique circumstances, they will be able to advise on any easy, yet valuable, improvements that can be completed before the sale and will help increase the appeal of your home.
The first steps in preparing for an open home
There are many key stages involved in selling your home. Once your sale price is set, it’s time to start preparing for an open home. The more lead time you give yourself, the better prepared (and less anxious) you’ll be. Here are our top tips to get the most from your open home:
Make sure first impressions count — Tidy up the garden and pathways and make sure to tackle any external repairs that need doing. A trip to Bunnings may be in order here!
Do a solid spring clean — While you’ll do a surface clean the day of your OFI, it’s important to do a full spring clean in the weeks leading up to it. Dust and tidy all bookshelves, clean your skirting boards and ceiling fans and get that soap scum off your shower.
Use space effectively — Help triggers buyers’ imaginations and make the most of your space. Lighter colours and floating furniture can help to achieve this.
Work out how to highlight your property’s best features
Rely on the experts — Our team of property experts has an intrinsic understanding of what buyers are looking for and can help you identify the key areas to focus on while you’re preparing your house for an open home.
How to stage your home for sale
It is widely recognised that staging your property can help to add significant value to your property. If you consider yourself design-savvy and have a slew of Pinterest boards dedicated to home décor, you may be able to stage your home yourself. You can also outsource your staging entirely, or opt for a semi-DIY staging solution with the guidance of a home staging expert.
If you’re keen to undertake more extensive renovations before going to market in order to increase your potential sale price, be sure to check out our top tips for selling your home quickly.
What to do the on the day of an Open Home
When the time rolls around for your OFI, it can be difficult to know how to prepare. Luckily, we’ve put together a comprehensive 60-minute countdown guide with details on everything you need to consider. Let this checklist be your bible — every minute counts!
Start by picking up toys and other clutter, as well as doing a general tidy of your home. Store away anything unsightly (like large kitchen appliances) and reduce the number of personal effects visible to potential buyers. These include things such as clothes on the line and other non-aesthetic personal items (although you might love your fertility vase from the Ndebele tribe, maybe store it under the sink for today). The key here is to enable buyers to visualise themselves living in your home. Be careful not to take it too far — you still want it to look like humans live there, rather than insentient robots without personalities. Your agent will be able to help you find a happy medium and optimise the presentation of your home.
When the time comes, take yourself away somewhere for a coffee and leave your home in your agent’s capable hands for the duration of the Open Home.
