Do you know that open house inspections are one of the most important parts of selling your home? 

It is where buyers get a chance to see what they're going to buy, so they can make an informed choice. And it's also an opportunity for them to check out your home and offer feedback on any issues they see.

Preparation is key for any open house inspection, and it can be a lot to handle. But don't worry - we have some easy tips to help pave the way.

In this blog, we'll give you the steps to make your home ready by sharing some do's and don'ts to appeal to a wide range of buyers on the market. Plus, we'll show you some last-minute hacks that can save you time preparing your house on inspection days.

Let's get started!

You're ready to sell, and you've done all the prepatory work. What is prepatory work?  This is when you get professional advice to make decisions on improving and preparing your property for sale.  The list looks a bit like this:

  • Repair cracks in interior/exterior walls or anywhere around the house
  • Sand and stain weathered floorboards
  • Fix any electrical or plumbing issues
  • Arrange for painting interior/exterior
  • Arrange for professional roof and gutter cleaners
  • Get all interior/exterior windows washed
  • Prepare the garden – mow, edge, hedge, plant colourful flowers
  • Declutter your home – take the opportunity to throw out old bed linen, towels, doona covers, books, clothes, furniture, crockery,

 So how do you make sure that first impression is a good one? You have completed all of the changes and/or improvements to your home and are ready for the next stage. 

 Some of what we are about to say may seem obvious but we are going to cover it anyway! Have your house cleaned, especially if you have had painting or floor board sanding done.  Here is a checklist of the basics you need to cover:      

  • Light fittings and fans need to be cleaned and dusted – check bulbs are working and choose the “cool” look with high lumens (eg: 1700) to give extra light to dark rooms and hallways
  • Clean carpets or polish floorboards or tiles
  • Modernise light switch covers and power point covers (if they have become yellowed with age)
  • Clear out any cobwebs inside and outside
  • If you haven’t painted the walls then clean them and the skirting boards.
  • Clean the kitchen cupboard door AND clear out as much as you can from your kitchen cupboards – just leave the basic crockery, cutlery and glassware to cover your family and necessary cooking items such as pots and pans etc.
  • Clean the oven, stove tops and filters from your rangehood

But if you don't prepare properly, it can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life! We've put together a list of 10 things you should do before an open house:

       1.  Make sure there are no stains on your carpet or upholstery—especially ones that are hard to clean (like red wine).

       2.  Check all appliances and electronics before guests arrive—make sure they work and look nice!

       3.  Make sure all appliances work properly (and smell nice!)

 If you use air fresheners/deodorisers regularly in your home anyway, now's a good time to dust off those cans and plug them in. You don’t need to but expensive diffusers.  We have tried and tested quite a few of the Plug-ins on the market and the smell that received the best response was Wicks Vanilla Cashmere.  You only need to have it on the second highest setting (depending on the size of the space and the strength of the fragrance you want to achieve).

        4.  When scheduling the time of day for your open house consider the best light to highlight aspects of your home.  For eg:  If your Federation style home is north facing and you have a large hedge or trees that can block out the natural light, consider 2-3pm for the most sunshine coming through the windows on that side of the house.           

Free Stock Photo of Open House Represents Rental Realtor And Sale 3d  Rendering | Download Free Images and Free Illustrations   

Now to the next stage.  

Open for inspection days are critical for homeowners looking to sell their property. On these days, potential buyers come to view the property, and it's essential to make a good impression. Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for an open for inspection day.

  1. Clean kitchens and bathrooms thoroughly: These areas are among the most crucial to potential buyers and need to be spotless. Clean the sink, shower, and toilet, and make sure there is no mould or mildew. Wipe down surfaces, including countertops and cabinets, and sweep or mop the floor.
  2. Making beds: A neatly made bed can transform the look of a bedroom, so take the time to make each bed in your home. Make sure the linens are clean and crisp, and add some decorative pillows for extra flair.
  3. Using fresh flowers: Flowers bring life and colour to any room, and they can help to mask any unpleasant odours. Place a vase of fresh flowers in the living room, kitchen, and main bedrooms.
  4. Vacuum floors: Dust and dirt are noticeable, so it's important to vacuum the floors in every room. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas, such as hallways and entryways, to make sure they're spotless.
  5. Staging all rooms to utilise maximum space: Staging your home means arranging furniture and décor in a way that maximizss the space and makes it look its best. This includes removing clutter, rearranging furniture to create a more open feel, and using mirrors to create the illusion of more space.
  6. Fluffing cushions: Soft furnishings, such as cushions and throws, can make a room feel cozy and inviting. Take the time to fluff cushions and arrange throws on couches and chairs to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  7. Scenting the bedrooms and living rooms with candles or room sprays: The sense of smell is powerful, and a pleasant scent can help create a positive impression of your home. Light some scented candles or use room sprays in the bedrooms and living rooms to add a touch of luxury.

In conclusion, preparing your home for an open for inspection takes some effort, but it can make a big difference in attracting potential buyers. By following these tips, you can create a welcoming and attractive home that stands out from the rest. Good luck!"