Finishing touches leave best impression

Many sellers experience nervousness and even pangs of anxiety as the deadline for their first open house looms large.

It's a big moment, of course. There's a lot on the line and you want prospective buyers to have the best possible impression of your home.

Owners focused on preparing their homes for this moment can be their harshest critics. They'll often walk around the house or apartment, pretending to be the buyer to see what they can do better.

This is a healthy idea that will ultimately help deliver the best possible sales result.

Sometimes, a little something is missing in the preparation. It might be a lack of colour in the living room or too many gadgets crowding the benchtop – small issues but ones that can leave buyers with a sub-optimal experience.

Use our Top 5 Checklist below to see if you have covered all the small finishing touches that will enhance the presentation of your home. 

Clear the kitchen

Large, open benchtops are the height of fashion, so store away your toaster, kettle and slow cooker that probably reside in various corners. 

Declutter drawers

Buyers love to wander around, opening cupboards and drawers in the kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. So, declutter to give the impression of adequate storage.

Page-turner

Clear your bookshelves of dog-eared paperbacks. Keep precious titles but jettison the others so your bookshelves are light and airy rather than clogged and cluttered.

Bland blues

It's easy to add a little colour to your rooms. You might hang a striking print or wall hanging. Alternatively, add throw cushions and lay a matching patterned rug. 

Go green

Indoor plants are fashionable again, especially in bathrooms, where a simple white interior is a preferred décor. Ferns and figs are favourites. Even if you don't want to go that far, a bouquet of flowers in the living area is a lovely touch when prospective buyers come calling.