Ever walked through an open-home and immediately felt that you belonged there? You saw yourself curling up in front of the TV (even though it wasn’t yours), or cooking up a storm in the kitchen (even though you’ve only just walked in the door…)? What is it that makes a home that’s open to the scrutiny of future buyers so irresistible? Chances are – a great deal of thought and creativity has been put into the half-hour or so that you’ll be spending there. Want to recreate that energy for your next-open home? Look no further!
- like you would dress appropriately for a particular function – so should you dress your home appropriately for an open-home inspection. Create a “homely” environment using elements as food, ambient music, and scented candles. Buy fruit for that empty fruit bowl, or cakes for the cake-stand. A recipe book open neatly in the kitchen, even the spa running (inside or outside) are all ideas to entice and capture the imaginations of future buyers.
- Not the most environmentally sound idea – but turning on all of the lights, particularly on a less-than bright time of day adds warmth.
- Add life to your property by strategically placing plants around the house.
- Buy new towels and lay them out only during open times. Keep your laundry baskets neat and tidy.
- Prepare the correct temperature – if it is a hot day, ensure that fans or air-conditioners are turned on. If it is cold – light the fire, and turn on the heaters.
- Furniture not up to scratch? Consider buying key pieces from eBay – or possibly even hiring from professional home-decor companies. Remember – you only get one chance to make a first impression!
- Lay that turf that you’ve been meaning to lay for ages. Plant that vegetable patch. Create that kids play-area – sandpit, cubby house – the works.
Don’t forget that the time and effort spent preparing a home for inspection has a large impact on a prospective buyer. It’s all about perception and if people can “see” themselves living in your home – you are 90% of the way there.
0 Responses
Stay in touch with the conversation, subscribe to the RSS feed for comments on this post.