7 DIY Projects to Get Your Home Open House Ready

Data from the National Association of REALTORS® showcases that homeowners who opt for home improvement projects to prepare their home for sale “find the task was worth the investment and time.”

However, preparing your for-sale property for the listing process does not have to be difficult or expensive. Sellers who choose DIY projects can reap the benefits of home improvement without having to hire developers for large-scale renovation projects.

Benefits DIY Projects Offer to Sellers

Getting your home sale-ready with DIY improvements can enhance your sale by:

• Potentially increasing the sale value of your home.
• Potentially helping your home sell faster.
• Increasing your home’s curb appeal to generate more leads.
• Creating stronger marketing potential for your listing.
• Updating your property to meet the market’s current buyer demands.

7 DIY Projects to Consider Before the Open House

The open house is the time when your home will be introduced to buyers on the market, so make sure that it’s ready to leave an impact.

Here are seven of the best DIY projects sellers can do to prepare their homes to welcome buyers during their open house.

#1. Declutter and Depersonalize the Entire Home

Your home should be free from clutter and personal items when you begin showing the property during open houses. Decluttering and depersonalizing your home is a free DIY project that is essential for sellers preparing for a sale.

Eliminating your belongings from the property will create a blank slate where potential buyers will be able to see the home for what it is. Removing personal items, such as pictures and artwork, will prevent buyers from being influenced by personal aesthetic decisions.

Remove valuables, personal belongings, and clutter from surfaces and closets. Sellers may want to consider renting a temporary storage unit to house their belongings. Leaving only the bare essentials and furniture to stage the home is a best practice for sellers.

#2. Embark on a Deep Clean of the Property’s Interiors and Exteriors

Once you have decluttered your home, it’s time to deep clean the interiors and exteriors.

Clean every inch of the inside of your home. Empty and wipe down the closets and drawers and clean every surface, from the baseboards to the ceiling fans. Kitchens and bathrooms should be scrubbed thoroughly and all appliances should be dust-free.

Clean the exterior of your property by using a home wash hose attachment. Clean the windows, screens, and areas around your home, as well.

#3. Paint the Interior Walls a Neutral Color

Applying a fresh coat of paint can make your home look and feel new. Opt for a neutral color, such as beiges, eggshell whites, and creams for a clean aesthetic. These lighter colors make your listing appear bigger by maximizing the visual space of your home. These colors also provide a neutral backdrop for buyers to easily envision their personal design style inside of the space.

#4. Boost Your Curb Appeal

As buyers arrive at your property, the first thing they will interact with is the exterior entryway of your home. Sellers will want to make the experience as pleasant and inviting as possible to leave a positive first impression.

• Mow the lawn and take care of the landscaping.
• Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
• Replace loose or rusted doorknobs.
• Lay down a new welcome mat.
• Consider purchasing flower boxes or pots for the porch.
• Have a subtle air freshener to greet guests as they enter.

#5. Replace Faded House Numbers

Buyers should be able to easily locate your home when they are attending the open house.

In addition to posting guiding signs around the neighborhood, make sure that the house numbers are new and stand out against the home. Consider buying new, stylish house numbers from the local hardware store to help buyers read your address from the curb.

#6. Update Outdated Hardware in Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most popular sites for home improvement projects, but simple DIY projects can also make these key rooms appealing to buyers.

Replacing the hardware in your kitchen and bathrooms can prevent your home from looking dated. Consider brushed chrome, silver, or nickel options that match across the home.

#7. Install New Optimum Lighting

Lighting impacts the appearance of your home. Good lighting expands and opens up a space, making it look clean and inviting. Bad lighting can make a home look dark, heavier, and even off-putting.

The best lighting schemes include three tiers of lighting in each room.

• Ambient lighting lights the overhead of the space.
• Task-specific lighting brightens key areas.
• Accent lighting adds tasteful illumination.
  

Take advantage of areas where windows can provide ample natural lighting without compromising on privacy.

For more home improvement tips for sellers preparing their listings for sale, visit the Real Estate Agents Blog. For more personal recommendations to get your home open house ready, connect with the best real estate professional in your area.