Having A Richmond Open House This Weekend? Be Prepared!

 Having A Richmond Open House This Weekend? Be Prepared!

There is often debate as to if an open house is beneficial to the sale of a home. Personally, I come from the stand point of "why not?" I have seen homes sell after a buyer visits an open house, and I have seen it have no effect at all. But, I know one thing is for sure: your home won't sell because of an open house if you don't have one. So, if you find yourself having a Richmond open house this weekend, make it count! Below are some tips on preparing for an open house and the big coming out party:

· De-clutter. Hopefully you already did this when you placed your home on the market. But, if you acquired some clutter in that time, now is the time to remove it. Keep counters clear, take down personalized pictures, and store unnecessary items out of sight. Let the potential buyers envision their items and way of life.

· Remove valuables. I think this is often a missed step. Yes, your agent will be at the open house but if you receive a large turn out (which is a good thing!) your agent will not be able to be in every room with every one. Be on the safe side and remove your jewelry and other valuables from the house while it is open. While you are at it, remove medications and other prescriptions.

· Clean. Clean. Clean. Make your Richmond home shine. Wipe down all counters, vacuum and mop your floors, make the beds, and put dishes and clothing away. (I once went into an open house where the seller had left a nice basket of underwear in the bathroom. Keep the unmentionables...well, unmentionable!)

· Let in the light. Be sure to open all blinds and if it is a nice day, let some of the fresh air in. Light, bright, and airy is a fabulous thing!

· Remove your pets. I have said this before, but be sure to find a temporary home for your pet while your house is open. Some people do not like pets and you don't need to worry about the potential liability!

· Keep your distance. This is a tough one. Selling your Richmond home can be stressful and exciting all at the same time. It is natural to want to see who is coming in your home and be curious about what they think. But, you know what they say, "curiosity killed the cat!" Go out and enjoy your free time and let your Richmond Realtor fill you in on all the details when you get home. It's hard enough to imagine yourself in a house without the seller being there to remind you it is not your home...yet!

I hope you find some of these tips valuable and you have a very successful Richmond open house!

Thinking about listing your home in the Henrico County Real Estate or surrounding Richmond Real Estate market? Contact me, Shannon Milligan, at Home Sweet Henrico with Keller Williams Realty Richmond West today and let me light your way to Home Sweet Home!

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