Is your home currently on the market, and are you looking for an edge to make your home more appealing to buyers?  Having your realtor host an open house is a good way to advertise, but only if you take the necessary steps to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers.  Coldwell Banker Select Professionals has created the following list of tips to help you create a positive impression during your open house.

1. Clean Diligently: Your home must be spotless, so if you do not think you’re up to the task of cleaning, hire a service to do it for you.
2. Create a Pleasant Smell:  When people walk in the door, make sure they experience a welcoming smell.  You can bake cookies right before the open house, put out potpourri, or even simmer some vanilla extract on the stove for the right effect.
3. Create Brightness:  Make sure you turn on all the lights, even if it's during the day.  Open the blinds and drapes to make your home as light and cheery as possible.
4. Utilize the Fireplace: If your home has one, consider laying a fire.  If it is too much of a hassle to tend a fire, then arrange an attractive grouping of lit candles instead.
5. Wash Windows and Mirrors: Make sure your windows are crystal clear and your mirrors are free from any splashes from the sink.
6. Get Rid of Clutter: You need to get rid of unnecessary items from all counter tops in order to create the illusion of more space.  Put small appliances away, shampoo bottles, soap and toothbrushes need to be out of sight, and eliminate your personal touches (including family photos).  Additionally, you need to de-clutter your closets so they appear as roomy as possible.
7. Freshen up the Bathroom: Make sure the shower curtain is spotless—buy a new one if necessary.  Thoroughly clean the toilet and put the lid down.  You should also hang some fresh, fluffy towels.
8. Empty all Trash Cans: It may seem like a minor detail and one easily overlooked, but it is an important touch.  Remember, people will be looking closely at every aspect of your home, and having to look at someone else’s trash is definitely disgusting. 
9. Freshen up the Exterior: Mow the grass, weed the beds, and add some potted plants if the time of year allows.  Also, make sure the entryway is in the best shape possible.  This means adding a fresh coat of paint to the door, polishing the hardware, and adding a new doormat. 
10. Everyone Out: The quickest way to alienate potential buyers is to hang over their shoulder while they’re looking through your house or having your kids and pets underfoot.  Make every effort to leave your home—taking kids and pets with you—during the open house.

An open house is a golden opportunity to showcase your home to the public, so make sure you take the time to make the proper impression.  The more attentive you are to the details, the better your chances for selling your home quickly.

If your looking for personal service and have questions regarding homes and loans in Lancaster PA, York PA, Harrisburg PA, Lebanon PA, Hershey PA and Cumberland County, be sure to connect with one of our agents at www.cbselectpros.com or one of our mortgage specialists at www.homenat.com.  Home National Mortgage and Coldwell Banker Select Professionals has local offices serving all of Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Hershey, Harrisburg, and Cumberland County PA.