Check List Of Things To Do For Your Open House

There are a lot of states and areas that don't hold open houses when their house if for sale. It doesn't really do a lot of good in some suburban areas where homes and neighborhoods are more spread out. But here in LA, if you are looking to buy a house, chances are you've driven to your desired area on Saturdays and Sundays looking for the signs pointing you in the direction of open houses. I hold a lot of open houses and just wanted to put together a list of things you should do before having your house open to the public.
1. Clean you house...this includes but is not limited to, sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the bathtubs and toilets and getting dirty dishes out of the sink and emptying bathroom trash cans.
2. Put all kids/baby toys away.  If you use your living room for your kids, hide the toys somewhere. Put them in closets, or storage bins neatly stacked away but don't leave them out in site.
3. If you have a smaller kitchen or your counters are filled with appliances and kitchen nick nacks, moved things off the counter. Even things you think you may need right after the open house like a coffee maker or toaster. Just store things away for a bit to make open space on your counters.
4. Open up as many blinds and shades as you have and if your place doesn't fill up with natural sunlight, turn on as many lights as you can. The lighter and brighter, the better.
5. Put down the toilet lids and put away all personal bathroom items from make-up, to toothbrushes, and medicines.
6. Hide well, or take with you all smaller objects that may be of value. Don't forget things like kid's piggy banks, watches, jewelery, signed memorabilia, gift cards, antiques, check books and any important paper work should be stored away as well.
7.  If you own a gun make sure it is either out of the house or safely stored away with no ammunition. (I've never heard of anything happening with this on the safety side of things, but I put this under the category of "hiding objects of value)
8. If your realtor doesn't do it for you, maybe think about putting a sign on your door that states the hours of your open house. A lot of times the realtors signs that are our in the streets are put there hours before an open house starts and it helps to keep buyers from knocking at your door to early or late.
9. Light a candle that has a light/clean smell to it, especially if you have pets.
10. Clean your litter box well and if you can, put it somewhere outside the house.
11. Take your animals with you or leave them with someone during the open house.
12. Turn off your answering machine or turn the volume off (it is kind of funny when grandma is leaving a message for everyone at the open house to hear but you may not want certain messages shared with the public)
13. If it's nice outside, open all your windows but if the weather is too hot or cold, turn on the air accordingly.
                                
Best of luck at your open house and selling your house and if you haven't already found your real estate agent to help you, please call me, I would love to help.