It’s All about the Show (House)

Ask yourself; would you be more inclined to buy a brand new, sparkling car or a dirty second hand version with stains on the seats? Most people would choose the first option, as far as their pockets allowed. It’s the same situation when it comes to a home. Neglecting to prepare properly for a show house can severely hamper a home owner’s chances of selling it.

It’s Worth Putting Your Best Foot Forward

Home owners can be forgiven for seeing a Show House as a big inconvenience; generally you have to vacate the property between 14:00 and 17:00 on a Sunday afternoon so that strangers can walk through your home. While that is true there is plenty of evidence to suggest that opening your home for a Show Day is worth it.

“In my experience most buyers will only make the decision to purchase once they’ve physically walked around the property, envisioning themselves in it. Of course it’s much easier to do so when in a pleasant environment”, says Bruce Swain, MD of Leapfrog Property Group.

Tips for a Worth Wile Show House

Finish the Renovations First

A building site is not very attractive and many prospective buyers might struggle to imagine the finished product, as opposed to what they’re currently seeing. They could also worry that the work will be completed in time. Try to have all renovations completed before putting a house on the market.

Camouflage the Cat

If you have pets, especially cats the smart move would be to remove as much of their hair from the furniture as possible; as so many people are allergic to the animals. People tend to be less allergic to dogs but, their smells can still be off putting so vacuum, wash the floors and light a scented candle or two. Swain points out that; “I’d really advise people with large and/ or aggressive dogs to make sure that they’re either removed from the property or properly secured during an open house. I’ve heard of too many stories where buyers are too afraid to come onto the property because of an animal”.

Spring Clean, Before Sunday

A home that’s clean as a polished coin will always be more attractive than one with muddy floors and dirty dishes in the sink. Make sure the house is as presentable as it can be for potential buyers.

An Open Door Policy Works Best

Remember that people can only buy the home if they can see it so make sure to open the house to prospective buyers. The more people come to a Show House; the greater the chances that a buyer will come through the door.

Do Minor DIY

Do take the time to tighten the hinges on the kitchen doors, remove the mould in the shower and mow the lawn. “Buyers are more likely to believe that a house is in good nick if the small things are working properly”, says Bruce, “if a home owner can’t be bothered to clean the pool then the logic is that he might not have fixed all the leaks in the roof either.”

Of course there’s only so much a home owner can do before it all falls in the hands of an estate agent. A last good tip is to ensure that the agent has proper photographs with which to market the property, all the relevant information and, knows how to conduct a Show House. Then it’s just a matter of time before the right buyer comes along.