Getting your New Orleans home open-house ready? Mow the lawn, trim the hedges, and plant flowers or plants to add color and visual interest.
Increase the chances of selling your New Orleans home fast and at the best possible price.
Arranging an open house is a crucial part of selling a home in New Orleans. To sell quickly and at the price you want, you want to showcase your home in the best possible light. Remember what they say about first impressions? While hosting an open house is not an exact science, there are important parts of preparing for an open house you should consider to ensure its success. Of course, we recommend enlisting a New Orleans Realtor for help and further guidance. Here’s our quick guide on how to prepare for an open house.
Clean and declutter.
A clean and tidy house makes for a good first impression. Declutter countertops, shelves, and closets, making three piles as you go: trash, sell, and donate. Then deep-clean all the rooms.
Take care of any maintenance problems and make any necessary repairs. Fix leaky faucets, replace burned-out lightbulbs, touch up paint, and fix failing fixtures. Even minor repairs and improvements can significantly enhance the appeal of your property and show potential buyers that the home has been well-maintained.
Enhancing curb appeal will also help make a good first impression. Mow the lawn, trim the hedges, and plant flowers or plants to add color and visual interest. Maybe also repaint the front door, power-wash the exterior, and repair cracks in the driveway or walkway to create a more inviting entrance.
Depersonalize and neutralize.
Stage your home to help buyers see themselves living in it. Think like a buyer, someone who is not you. Remove personal items and family photos, religious and political items, and any distracting decor. Neutral color schemes and decor will help house hunters imagine themselves living in the home in their own lifestyle.
Showcase key features.
Highlight the unique selling points of the property. Arrange furniture to maximize the use of space and its flow; make sure that each room is well-lit and inviting; add touches of tasteful decor like throw pillows, rugs, and artwork. These are the kinds of details that create a welcoming and functional living space. There’s a buyer out there who will love your home and its special features. So make sure that the people who come to your open house are aware of these features.
Leverage smart home technology.
Incorporate smart home features to showcase the modernity and convenience of your property. Smart thermostats, lighting, or security systems can add appeal and demonstrate that your home is up-to-date with the latest technological advancements.
Highlight energy-efficient upgrades.
If your home boasts energy-efficient upgrades, ensure they are prominently featured. From solar panels to energy-efficient appliances, emphasizing these elements not only attracts environmentally conscious buyers but also emphasizes long-term cost savings.
Provide information on local amenities.
Offer insights into the local neighborhood and amenities. Showcase nearby parks, schools, shopping centers, and entertainment options. Prospective buyers are not just investing in a home but also in the lifestyle your neighborhood provides.
Work with your Realtor.
Discussing the open house with an experienced local real estate agent before you start is always a good idea. The consultation will help you streamline this part of the selling process and manage your expectations.
Either your Realtor or you — or both of you, if you’re co-hosting the open house — should be gathering feedback as you show prospects around so that you can address any concerns and make sure that your next showing goes even more smoothly and is even more effective.
Our New Orleans Realtors Will Make Your Open House a Success
Presenting your home in its best light requires meticulous planning. The effort is worthwhile, as it significantly increases your chances of selling the property quickly and at an optimal price.
For more personalized guidance on selling your property, contact our professional and trustworthy Realtors. We’re here to help you navigate every step of the selling process.