Five things your client should do before an open house

With their house on the market, your clients know that they should be organizing, getting rid of clutter and cleaning their house, but there are a few areas they probably aren’t considering that could help sell their home.

Saudia Davis, the founder and CEO of GreenHouse Eco-Cleaning, an organic commercial and residential cleaning company, said the following five items are things all home sellers should do before opening their property to potential buyers.

1. Clean the drains
   There are two things prospective homebuyers will do when they look in the kitchen and bathrooms: check for odors and run the water. The drains – whether sink or tub – become the star of the showing, so spend some time making sure they are unclogged and clean. The most common DIY eco-friendly cleaner is pouring one cup of baking soda followed by one cup of cider vinegar down each drain. Let it sit for several minutes (or even overnight) before flushing with boiling water. Same method will work for sinks that include garbage disposals. Grinding half a lemon in the garbage disposal adds an instant burst of freshness.
2. Freshen the curtains
   We often think about cleaning the windows and blinds, but you also need to freshen the curtains. Curtains not only hold odors, but they hold dust and dirt, two things that are immediate turn-offs for homebuyers. Suggest they dust or vacuum each panel working from the top down, paying special attention to hems and folds, and using a damp cloth to clean any noticeable spots. Tossing curtains in the dryer (gentle cycle) adds a quick fresh fluff.
3. Empty the closets
   Storage is something that buyers are always looking for in a new home, which makes closet space a high priority (buyers will open every closet). Encourage your client to empty all closets as much as possible with the goal of eliminating half of everything the see. Suggest they donate clothing to charity, return items borrowed from others and pack away out-of-season items. This same rule can be used for drawers and cabinets, when buyers open up these key storage areas, you want them to see space, not clutter.
4. Spruce up the entryway
   Not only should clients try to improve the curb appeal of their home (new paint on the front door, flowers in the garden, lawn mowed), but they also need to spend time cleaning and organizing the entryway. Get rid of coats, shoes and backpacks and add a small bench or table with a vase of flowers.
5. Improve the scent
   When it comes to buying a home, smell is one of the senses we use the most. Even if they think their home doesn’t smell bad (tip: invite an honest friend to do a quick walk-thru to evaluate), they should err on the side of caution and add some elements to the home that will make it smell fresh and clean. Open the windows, simmer lemon peel on the stovetop, burn odor-eliminating candles or add fresh flowers. If clients need a quick scent-booster before a showing, suggest theypop some cookies in the oven–the smell of baked goods is said to make a home more attractive to buyers.