Commonly Overlooked Checklist Items for Your Open House

For many, the open house is a make-or-break event for marketing a home. The mix of people stopping by can lead to an offer or a quality referral. With the directional signs pointing your way, the balloons bumping off the sign posts, and the house looking its best, a successful open house creates a network of awareness around your listing.

A lot of cleaning and preparation goes into an open house. Make sure to freshen up the exterior of your home, garage door, and front door with a fresh coat of paint. Look into purchasing new house numbers and mailbox and remember to open up all blinds and curtains inside your home. Letting light in every room will make a bright atmosphere.

After this, it can be easy to forget some crucial elements which might impact the safety of the event or even make the difference between an offer or no interest. Before the doors open, be absolutely sure you’ve secured the following items in a safe, alternate location:

1. Drugs. No, we’re not (necessarily) talking about the sort of stuff you’d see on Law & Order. We’re talking about prescription drugs. Remember that strangers are going to visit your home, and while we like to think they’re all interested buyers, there’s always the possibility that someone will comb through your medicine cabinet. Pain pills and ADD/ADHD drugs are common targets.
2. Guns. Have a weapon in your home? Is it locked in a safe, or stashed under the bed? The last thing you want to grow a pair of feet and walk out the door is a home defense weapon. Don’t assume your weapon is well-hidden. It they’re not absolutely inaccessible and secure, they need to be stored off the premises.
3. Heirlooms & valuables. Don’t tempt the weak. Gather up the family jewels and store them securely elsewhere. Don’t assume that putting them in a jewelry box will keep prying eyes away. Same goes for highly portable antiques. The expectation of privacy can get a little murky when people are opening up closet doors and the like.
4. Animals. Okay, so you don’t keep a wild cougar in your living room, but what about the family dog? A friendly cat? There’s no such thing as an open-house-friendly pet, especially where allergies and personal preferences are concerned. (And don’t even get me started about snakes!)
5. Political material. Everyone has different political preferences, and during an open-house, don’t eliminate half of your buyers with political messaging. Double-check the fridge for magnets, or your front lawn for posters.

When it comes to open houses, I like to make sure they go off without a hitch for you. If you’re listing soon, get in touch so we can chat about selling your home fast! Contact me at (928) 916-1921.

Trent Beaver
(928) 916-1921