First Impressions Go a Long Way to a Successful Open House

The open house is probably one of the most important ways that potential buyers can really get a good look at your home. Pictures on the internet can only do so much. With the housing market as it is, pictures may be the first gateway to your home but the open house may be necessary to really seal a deal. Due to a lower imventory, houses are going faster these days so that first open house that you have may be wherer all your bids will come from. What better way to give your home a fresh look before people even get out of the car than to rehab your curb appeal.

 

The front door is a main focal point that your whole house immediately gets tied together with. If it looks drab and uninviting then it can sour the impression of the whole open house. The color should be freshly painted and updated before you even list. The color should compliment any trim, porch or house color that you may have. You can still add a pop if color if you have a more neutral house color palette and if you have a bright house color you door should compliment it instead. Tying everything together with matching metal door hardware, light fixture and door knocker will give your entryway a nice complete look that is inviting. 

 

Your landscaping should be as neat and clean as you possibly can make it. Trim any hedges and bushes to make sure no stray branches are impeding the walkway to your home. No one wants to be slapped in the face with an errant branch on the way to the front door. Adding a fresh layer of mulch to any flower beds and at the base of any trees will give your house a stand out look that will make everything bright and looking brand new. 

 

Everyone knows that once your house is listed you are going to get the drive-by looks that a potential buyer might do before any open house to just get a reality check on your home. What better way to greet them than with an updated porch light that will illuminate the front porch/yard. Pair this with new house numbers and mailbox color that will stand out to anyone just passing by. These items should also be complementary to your other front entry colors. Everything that is part of your front landscaping should be neutral and not step into the personal area. So the flags that highlight where your child goes to school should be put away for the time being. 

 

As your potential buyers arrive at your front door there should be a fresh welcome mat to greet them. Gone is the worn, tattered mat that has seen better days. This should also not be the time to profess your love of a favorite sports team or have a fun and flirty saying on it. A nice neutral pattern or lattice shaped rubber is the way to go. Along with a new mat it would be nice to have a seasonal flower in a pot on the steps or near the door. In the fall a nice mum would be nice, winter you could go with a small evergreen. Spring and summer have a nice, colorful flower that looks fresh and alive. 

 

Overall, you want the front of your home to be welcoming and tied together. No one part should seem out of place or be standing out like a sore thumb. Everything should give a potential buyer a sense of belonging and as if they could see themselves enjoying your home and property. Having a nice put together front yard will give them these feelings that they will then take into the house and hopefully this will all turn into a quick and profitable sale. If you are looking to sell your home and you need a knowledgeable real estate agent to help please check out our Agents page and you will find what you need.