Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

5 tips for an open house that sells:

Make the most from an open house and get a quick sale with these five top tips from home staging expert, Naomi Findlay.
By Naomi Findlay
Date: November 09 2014
Editor Rating:
openhouse1

When holding an open house, having a nicely styled home can be the difference between a quick and profitable sale versus months - if not years - on the market. It’s important that potential buyers can imagine themselves in your home, so de-cluttering, depersonalising and neutralising the colour palette are vital ways for getting a timely sale.

But all of that is easier said than done! Depending on your home’s condition, home staging (as it is called) can be a large and overwhelming job. So read my five tips below to help make the styling experience fun rather than a chore!

1. Have a house number

It may seem obvious, but being able to identify your home from the kerb is essential. It also means people won’t get lost when it comes to open house! Make sure the number (and name if you have one) is in excellent condition, visible and in keeping with your home’s style.

openhouse2

2. Keep linen neutral

In both the living room and bedroom, the main focal point is the couch or bed. When buyers first walk into these rooms they’ll be drawn to those pieces of furniture, so make sure the linen and accessories (such as cushions and throws) are neutral and mainstream. You don’t want them to be boring, but it’s important that they don’t polarise potential buyers!

openhouse3

3. Take styling to the next level

When people think home staging, they most likely think throwing a cushion here and there. But to make your home stand out you really have to go the extra mile! So create the finished look by adding such details as: homewares, artworks, lighting and rugs. Rugs in particular can be great for tying a space together, especially if your home is open plan.

openplan4

4. It’s all about outdoor entertaining

We are very fortunate to be living in a country like Australia, so make that count by creating an outdoor space that is a feature of your home. Don’t worry if the space is small, you can still make it luxurious! Make it an extension of your indoor space by adding such interior pieces as cushions and throws, but with nature-themed accents like potted plants.

openhouse5

5. Be a show off  

When open house comes along, make sure your house is at its finest. All preparation is wasted if you’re not on tiptop shape on the actual day it counts! Have all the lights on, have the house heated or cooled to the most comfortable temperature, have as much natural light as possible and make sure all your cushions, throws and homewares are placed correctly. Don’t start baking or brewing though, as for some potential buyers that is just a little too staged!

openplan6

* * *

Win an online course on the art of home staging from Naomi by entering our fantastic competition here

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Recent Comments
1 Total Comments
Yvonne Wilkins says: 2015 05 11
Rating:

Hi Naomi,

Tks. for all your informative emails and ideas. 3 wks. ago I completed one of my sister’s 40 yr. old home for sale.  I painted the whole length of her old driveway, pathway; remulched the front garden beds; trimmed all the bushes which really made a difference with the street appeal. I also painted a feature wall in her familyroom, front of island bench to match in a pale grey; repainted her old dusty-pink kitchen cupboard doors in an Antique White; replaced the old door handles; re-arranged her furniture; bought in new accessories and styled the home which presented very well.  None of us thought she would get over $550,000 for the house, but it sold in 2 wks. for $610,000 - she was shocked and I was very pleased with my hard work and end result.

I do not have any issues with decorating or styling, but not sure as to what I should really charge a client.

Would appreciate your thoughts.  Tks. heaps.

..Yvonne

View All Comments
Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:


Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:33343


Your Comment has been posted
Related Articles
silkinstitute
Not quite sure where to start when it comes to…
Read more
landart-hero
4 essential ingredients for creating the ultimate exotic garden escape,…
Read more
mahliandme3
Two young mums went looking for stylish baby bedding &…
Read more
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.