OPEN HOUSE CHECKLIST

 

You’ve spent all that time staging your home. Now open house day is here. Use this simple checklist to make sure your home is ready for show time! Home staging statistics illustrate that how you present your home not only impresses buyers, but increases your chance of a quick, successful sale.

• Turn on all the lights.
  This includes lamps, overhead fixtures, and even decorative lighting.


• Open all window treatments.
  You want to let in as much natural light as possible.

 

This well-lit kitchen will be appealing to buyers.

Copyright 2009 by Sitka Projects, LLC

• Make all the beds.
  Straighten the pillows and blankets too.


• Empty garbage cans.
  Have one bag and go around and empty cans in the bathrooms, bedrooms, and especially the kitchen.


• Play soft music.
  This is something extra and not essential if you don’t have the necessary equipment.


• Put away laundry.
  Make sure dirty clothes are in the hamper and not on the floor.

Laundry rooms should not have dirty laundry on display.

Copyright 2010 by Maegan Tintari

• Take pets with you, if possible.
  This is mostly for larger animals, such as dogs. Cats usually hide anyway. Birds can stay in their cages. It might be a good idea to take reptiles or other exotic pets with you because they can scare or turn off some buyers.  

 Ellie loves to go for walks during open houses!

Copyright 2012 by Sarah Hudak Davis

• Put out fresh flowers or fruit.
  Another option is plants. These are easier because they last longer and don’t need to be replaced.

Fresh flowers always add a nice touch.

Copyright 2009 by Amie Fedora

• Wipe down sinks.
  Keep a box of cleaning wipes in the kitchen and each bathroom for quick clean-ups in between major cleanings.


• Sweep and/or vacuum floors.
  Once you do a major cleaning during the staging process, you won’t need to spend too much time on this.


• Give bathrooms a quick cleaning.
  Again, use cleaning wipes for the sink and shower/tub. Buy a disposable toilet wand to clean the toilet bowl. And always keep the toilet seat down!


• Straighten blankets, throws, pillows, and towels.
  If you have them, put out a decorative set of towels reserved for showings.


• Make sure the temperature is comfortable.
  A good average temperature is 68-70°F.


• Open the windows, if possible.
  There is nothing better than the smell of fresh air.


• Light the fireplace.
  Only do this once your agent arrives. Never leave candles or fires unattended, even for a short time.

Everyone loves the warmth of a fireplace -- even this cat.

Copyright 2008 by Cyrus Bulsara

• Turn on candles if you have them.
  Notice I said “turn on.” I recommend using the battery-powered candles only. It is very easy for a flame to catch a buyer’s clothing, or for someone to accidentally knock the candle over. Most flameless candles come with timers too.


• Leave the house.
  Buyers feel uncomfortable when the sellers are there. They feel like they are intruding and may not look at the house as carefully as they would if the owners weren’t around. Would you want to open cabinets and closets if the owners were there? Buyers will also be hesitant to speak freely because they don't want the owners to overhear them.

Use these tips not only for open houses, but for all showings. The only exception would be lighting the fireplace. Again, only do this if you or the agent will be present the entire time. If you want to test your knowledge about how much you know about staging, take the quiz at Home Staging Quiz: How Much Do You Know?