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How to Prepare Your Oak Forest Home for an Open House

Plan Ahead for the Open House

Timing: Many sellers choose a weekend afternoon, when more visitors may be free. Confirm the date and time with your real estate agent, and ask your agent how the open house will be advertised and when to start.

Declutter and Depersonalize

  • Remove excess items: Clear countertops, tables and shelves of personal photos and knick-knacks.
  • Simplify décor: A neutral look can help more visitors picture themselves in the home.
  • Organize storage: Tidy closets, cabinets and pantry spaces so visitors can see the space.

Safety and Valuables

  • Put valuables away: Remove or lock up jewelry, cash, electronics, prescription medications and firearms before visitors arrive.
  • Protect personal information: Put away mail, bills, financial papers and anything with your personal details.
  • Reduce hazards: Remove tripping hazards, secure loose rugs, and make sure lights work and walkways are clear.
  • Ask your agent: Talk with your agent about how visitors are greeted and how the open house is staffed.

Enhance Curb Appeal

  • First impressions: Mow the lawn, trim hedges and tidy planting beds.
  • Clean the entryway: Sweep walkways, clean windows and replace a worn doormat.
  • Signs: Your agent will handle open house signs so they follow brokerage and advertising rules.

Set the Mood Inside

  • Lighting: Open curtains, turn on lamps and make sure rooms are well lit.
  • Comfortable temperature: Set the heating or cooling so the home feels comfortable.
  • Pets: Arrange for pets to be away from the home during the open house, and put away food bowls, litter boxes and pet bedding. Some visitors are allergic or afraid of animals, and a loose pet can be a safety concern.
  • Fragrances: Skip strong candles, plug-ins and sprays. Some visitors are sensitive to fragrance, and strong scents can look like an attempt to cover odors. Cleaning, taking out trash and opening windows beforehand usually works better.

Final Touches

  • Information sheet: Ask your agent for a property information sheet with details about the home and recent updates you can document.
  • Visitor registration: Ask your agent about the event’s registration and safety procedures. Any visitor information collected should be handled under the applicable privacy notice. Registration should not automatically enroll visitors in unrelated marketing.
  • Leave during the event: Plan to be away so visitors can look around comfortably and speak openly with the agent.

Preparation can help your home show well, but every home and every market is different, and results are not guaranteed. Open houses and showings should follow consistent, nondiscriminatory access and safety procedures in accordance with applicable fair housing laws. To talk about preparing your Oak Forest home, contact Joanna Dudzic-Wojsa, Illinois Real Estate Broker with Boutique Home Realty.