First impressions can make or break a sale, and appearance is everything during open houses. One of the most important things you can do to ensure a successful showing is to prepare your space for potential buyers, whether you are selling a Portland family home, an Oxford County farmhouse, or a Bar Harbor coastal cottage.
Purchasers may imagine themselves in your home on open houses. Moreover, how your home looks and feels when shown can play a large role in offers within Maine’s high-pressure market, where character and charm mix with functional living.
Following are some tried-and-true methods for staging your home for an open house and impressing every visitor.
1. Clear Out: Less Is More
Decluttering is vital during preparations for an open house.
Rather than being able to envision themselves in someone else’s life, customers wish to be able to picture themselves residing in your home.
Watch out for:
- Not removing extra furniture to provide an illusion of having larger spaces
- Getting rid of clutter and personal items off of shelves and countertops
- Ensuring trophies, family photographs, and specialized decorations are secured
- Organizing cupboards and closets (yes, buyers will look!)
You can help potential buyers psychologically “move in” when they come by creating a space that’s open and non-committal. Cleaned-up, plain spaces also work great as pictures, which will enhance the findability of your online listing.
2. Clean Every Space Profoundly
A home that is immaculately clean is necessary for open houses and shows pride of ownership. Beyond being well-cared for and justifying the asking price, clean homes are more inviting.
Cleaning Checklist:
- Shampoo and vacuum carpets
- Clean all windows, both inside and outside.
- Dust walls, light switches, and baseboards.
- Dust curtains, vents, and ceiling fans
- Polished mirrors and fixtures
- Spotless bathrooms and kitchens until they shine.
Having a professional cleaning service come in can be a good investment that enhances buyer impressions if you don’t have time or cleaning is not your forte.
3. Stage Strategically
Home staging is not just reserved for high-end houses; it can increase the attractiveness of any home and create an emotional connection with the buyer to the house. Showing the positive features of your house and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere are the goals.
Tips for Staging:
- Stage furniture to maximize space and enhance circulation.
- To create rooms that are lighter, select neutral, pale-colored accents.
- Add fresh accents such as a fruit dish, flowers, or throw pillows.
- Allow light in by opening the curtains.
- As an added charm, set the dining table or place a book on the sofa table.
The perceptions of others toward your home can be easily changed by even small layout and style modifications.
Pro Tip: For expert help, consider partnering with a local professional stager; some offer affordable packages for sellers in the Maine area.
4. Eliminate Odors and Enhance the Atmosphere
Properties in Maine might contain lingering odors, especially those that are older homes or pet owners. Buyers will surely catch wind of them, even if you don’t.
How to Proceed:
- Allow the space to air before showings.
- Rather than employing pungent air fresheners, employ odor-neutralizing sprays.
- Keep pet spaces clean and eliminate any pets during showings.
- Prior to open homes, refrain from cooking anything that has a powerful odor, such as garlic or shellfish.
- For a cozy, inviting scent, bake cookies or boil cinnamon on the stovetop.
Your home will be more inviting and memorable—for the right reasons—if you establish a clean, fresh scent.
Additional Tips for a Successful Open House
- Curb Appeal Is Important: Mow the yard, trim bushes, and plant new flowers or mulch. At the curb, first impressions are formed.
- Lighting Is Crucial: To create a light-filled, inviting atmosphere in your house, open your blinds, put on the lights, and utilize warm-toned bulbs.
- Establish a Comfortable Temperature: Make sure your house is warm and inviting when potential buyers arrive, particularly during Maine’s colder months.
- Place safety first by removing valuables from your sight and locking your medications.
- Leave During the Showing: Without the presence of the seller, buyers feel freer to open up the area.
Open houses are a fantastic way to showcase your home, and by being well prepared, they can lead to improved results and faster offers. Whether you reside in a small Maine village or downtown Portland, these tips will help you entice the ideal buyer and get the most from your home’s appeal.