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Maintain the Lawn: Ensure your lawn is neatly mowed and edged. First impressions are key, and curb appeal plays a big role in attracting buyers. If you don't have time to keep up with the yard work, consider hiring a lawn service to handle it for you. This will ensure your lawn is always looking its best for showings and open houses.
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Trim Trees and Shrubs: Keep trees and shrubs well-maintained. If you can’t reach high branches or don’t have the tools to trim, consider hiring a landscaping company or renting equipment to do it yourself.
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Add Flowers or Planters: Brighten up your yard by planting colorful flowers or using large flower pots. You can find affordable pots and plants at places like Home Depot, Target, or even garage sales, which will help enhance your home’s curb appeal.
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Clean Walkways and Paths: Sweep all sidewalks and pathways to make them clean and inviting. In colder climates, ensure snow and ice are cleared to prevent slips, and apply salt for safety. Also, remove any toys, papers, or outdoor tools from walkways.
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Repair and Clean Windows: Check for any broken or cracked windows and replace them. Clean all windows for a fresh, well-maintained look.
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Clean Eaves and Gutters: Blocked eaves and gutters can cause costly damage, so make sure they are cleaned regularly. You can either do this yourself with a ladder and broom or hire a handyman to take care of it.
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Paint Exterior Areas: Touch up or repaint any peeling or chipped paint for a fresh, well-cared-for appearance.
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Update Door Hardware: Clean or replace door knobs and locks to ensure the entrance looks polished and welcoming. If they’re too old or worn, consider replacing them for an updated look.
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Keep the Garage Door Closed: While the garage is an important space, avoid leaving the garage door open during showings. Buyers shouldn’t be distracted by a messy garage, nor should they feel like it’s an entrance to the home.
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Remove Personal Items: Take down family photos, trophies, and other personal items. These can distract buyers and prevent them from imagining themselves in the space.
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Declutter: Clear away newspapers, boxes, and any excess items. Keeping counters in the kitchen and bathrooms clear of clutter helps make the space feel larger and more inviting. Ensure dishes are washed and put away, and avoid leaving items in the sink.
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Clean Carpets or Replace if Necessary: If your carpets are still in good condition, have them cleaned professionally. If they’re worn out, consider replacing them with neutral-colored carpet that will appeal to a broader range of buyers.
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Touch Up or Repaint Walls: Address any chipped or dirty walls with a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint. Avoid bold colors that may not appeal to all buyers, and be sure to clean the entire wall, not just spots.
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Ensure Doors and Windows Operate Smoothly: Make sure all doors and windows open and close easily. A little lubrication (like A-1 oil) can help with this.
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Fix Minor Damages: Repair any issues like creaky floorboards, damaged plaster, or wallpaper seams that are coming apart. Small fixes like these can make your home look well-maintained and move-in ready.
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Add Indoor Plants: Plants can make a space feel more welcoming and homey. Consider adding a few green or flowering plants to brighten up the interior.
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Keep Pets Out: If possible, keep pets out of the house or confine them to a crate during showings and open houses. Even the best-behaved pets can become unpredictable, and some buyers may have pet allergies or fears.
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Add Fresh Flowers: A vase of colorful, fresh flowers adds warmth and life to a room, making it feel more inviting.
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Make the House Smell Good: A pleasant scent can positively impact a buyer's experience. If baking cookies isn’t your thing, try simmering a cinnamon stick in water on low in the oven or use a scented candle for a warm, welcoming aroma.
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Clear All Surfaces: Clear tables, desks, and shelves of clutter. This helps highlight the home’s features and makes the space feel more spacious.
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Maximize Natural Light: Open all blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. Clean windows and ensure lights are on as needed to brighten up the home.
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Fresh Towels in Bathrooms: Place clean, fresh towels in the bathrooms, and consider adding small soaps or a decorative soap dish to create a hotel-like feel.
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Turn Off TVs and Computers: Keep electronics off during showings and open houses. These can distract from the home and may pull attention away from its features.
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Play Soft Background Music: Gentle background music can create a calming atmosphere and help buyers feel more relaxed as they tour the home.
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Never Host an Open House Alone: Always have someone with you during an open house. This could be another adult, not a child. It’s also a good idea to have a cell phone with you, with a one-touch dial for emergencies. Ensure the exit is never blocked by having the buyer enter the room ahead of you, and if there’s a basement, let them go first with the lights on.
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Hold Open Houses During the Day: Open houses can take place any day of the week, but they should always be during daylight hours, ending before dark.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your home looks its best, attracts more potential buyers, and creates a welcoming atmosphere during showings and open houses.
