METCALF MOVING BLOG
4 Mistakes to Avoid When Staging Your Home for an Open House
Are you in the process of selling your home? If so, hosting an open house can be an excellent way to garner buyer attention. According to American Home Shield, nearly half of all people looking to buy a home visit open house events as part of their buying process. As effective as an open house can be when selling a home, there are a few mistakes to avoid. Check out four mistakes to avoid as you prepare for the big day.
Mistake #1: Not clearing out the bulk of your personal belongings.
Preparing your home before the open house will take considerable time. Part of the reason preparation can be so time-intensive is the staging process. Prospective buyers need the view of a home that allows them to visualize their own life and belongings inside. They also want to see open floor space to get a feel for the actual size of different rooms. Therefore, not clearing out the bulk of your items can make your home feel less neutral and cluttered, hindering offers.
Mistake #2: Leaving evidence of pets in the house.
Some sources estimate that evidence of a home with pets could lower the home value by as much as $30,000. Sometimes, you will even have prospects that see a single sign of a pet and won’t even bother making an offer. While pets are beloved by many people, pets in a home for sale are often not so adored. If you share your home with a pet, before the open house:
- Secure a pet sitter for a few days leading up to and during the event
- Thoroughly clean to mitigate evidence of pet-related stains or shedding
- Pack up pet-related items, including pet beds, toys, leashes, and feed bowls
Mistake #3: Sticking with decor that’s too eclectic.
Neutral decor is vital when staging a home in preparation for an open house. While you may think your decor perfectly suits the house style, layout, or design, a buyer may not be so impressed. Interior design taste is a highly personalized thing for most people. For example, you may love stark, bold colors in window treatments and wall art, but this could be off-putting to a prospective buyer who prefers a totally different style.
Mistake #4: Not giving the home’s exterior some love.
Curb appeal accounts for a great deal of a home’s perceived value. Of course, you can spend all your preparation time cleaning the interior, staging furniture, and neutralizing the decor. But this may be moot if the shrubs are overgrown, the front door paint is chipping, and you need to mow the lawn. In addition, you may have prospects that drive away without entering the house for a look if the home’s exterior is unattractive.
Need Help with Your Upcoming Open House?
Preparing for an open house can be a significant event, and you will undoubtedly have things you must tuck away in storage. We can help with storage and your household move. Contact our team today.
