Be Sure to Open House Prep These Spaces, Too

Preparing your home for an open house can be overwhelming, but with a little planning and a lot of elbow grease, it's not so bad. Our real estate agents have helped many clients successfully stage their homes for viewing. Here they share some tips about prepping some often overlooked spaces that will wow buyers with the right look.

• Laundry Room
  It's easy to forget about one of the most utilitarian rooms in the house. After all, who loves spending time doing laundry? Believe it or not, lots of people. A clean, organized laundry room with space to stash products and fold clothing is a major draw for buyers. Putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls, giving it a thorough cleaning, and placing detergent and clothes on shelves and in bins will make your laundry room shine.
    
• Foyer
  The foyer is often the first thing buyers see when they enter your home, so make it welcoming. Make sure you have a coat rack or hooks and a bench for taking off shoes. If there's room, set up a table with a pretty vase of flowers or place a large potted plant or tree in a corner. Placing some cookies and bottles of water out for guests on a side table doesn't hurt, either!
  
  
• Mudroom
  Sometimes located between the garage and entrance to the house, a mudroom is a great place to show off your organizational skills. A bench for sitting, hooks for hanging coats, cubbies for muddy boots and shoes, and a colorful outdoor rug can all spice up this space while demonstrating its usefulness. Don't be afraid to use pops of color to liven up the space!
  
  
• Garage
  Although no one expects your garage to be spotless, cleaning, decluttering, and organizing it is a must. Buyers want to picture their own cars and items in the garage, so make it look spiffy by sweeping it out and putting tools, lawn care items and other things in their proper place.
  
  
• Basement
  Whether your basement is finished or not, it's important to make it accessible and attractive to buyers. Invest in some shelves for things you store down there—or better yet, take it out and put it in storage. If your basement's already finished, have your real estate agent help you stage furniture and accessories to make it look warm and appealing.
  
  
• Porch or Balcony
  Okay, it's technically not a room, but porches and balconies are outdoor living spaces that are in demand with buyers. Place some comfy seating, tables, an outdoor rug, potted plants and flowers and inviting solar lights around to make it look like a welcoming place to relax and restore.

Need more tips? Our experienced real estate professionals can help you find your dream home, whether it's in Nassau, Suffolk or Queens County. Contact us today to learn more.