How to Prep Your Home for an Open House Mid-Divorce

Have you ever shopped for a house online and noticed how sparkling clean and perfectly staged some of the houses look? If you are in the midst of a divorce and elbow-deep in paperwork, getting your home ready to sell can quickly fall off your to-do list. Selling the family home is one of the many steps involved in moving forward after a divorce, so taking the time to make your home stand out from the rest is important. If your house is on the market and you’re planning to have an open house, you don’t have to go so far as to have your house professionally staged; you can prep it yourself and ensure a successful open house! And for more insights and inspiration to help you live your best life post-divorce, make sure to subscribe to The Splendid Path!

Maximize curb appeal

It should go without saying that having curb appeal is crucial for having a great open house. The first thing people see is the exterior, and if they don’t like what they see, they may not even enter your house. Mow your lawn, spruce up your landscaping, and consider getting a new mailbox, especially if your current mailbox has the family name intricately painted on the side. Power wash the driveway, sidewalk, and entryway, and have the exterior of your house freshly painted if it needs it. And definitely remove any cars from your driveway.

Less is more

Because less is more when it comes to furniture and knickknacks, it is important to declutter. Pack away any personal items and keep shelves and surfaces sparse so that buyers can imagine their belongings in your house. If your house contains furniture and personal items that belong to your ex, now would be a good time to arrange for them to come pick them up. If this means that large, key pieces will be removed such as the sofa or dining room table set, ask your realtor if they have any pieces you can borrow so that your home will be properly staged. You will also want to make sure any valuables are locked away or removed from the premises so that nothing gets stolen.

Scrub it down

Nothing turns away homebuyers like a dirty, stinky house. Clean your house from top to bottom, mopping, dusting, and scrubbing the kitchen and bathrooms — the works. And don’t forget to clean the baseboards, windows, light fixtures, and any surface that collects dust. If this is too big of a job for you, hire a cleaning service to do a deep clean on your house.

What dog?

If you have pets, you will want to make it look like you don’t. Remove any signs of them, such as their food and water bowls, toys, beds, and carriers. Don’t forget to put away photos of your pets and any items that subtly sign, “I heart my dog.” Make sure you rid your house of any lingering pet odors, which can make buyers run for the hills.  If a deep clean does not do the trick, consider having your carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned. Lastly, on the day of the open house, get your pets out of dodge. If you don’t have a friend who can take them in and your ex and in-laws are out of the question, you should board your pet for the day.

Make it inviting

Add little touches that make your house feel cozy and inviting. Open the shades to let in as much natural light as possible. Put fresh flowers in the kitchen and bathrooms, and light a couple of candles. Hang a wreath on the front door, and put out a plate of freshly baked cookies and a pitcher of iced tea to make homebuyers want to move right in. Going through a divorce can be stressful, and your mood might not be the most cheerful, but don’t let that carry over into your home. Focus on staying positive, taking care of your home, and most importantly, yourself. 

There are many things you can do to make your open house a successful one. Give your house some additional curb appeal by painting, gardening, and replacing dated items. Clean your house inside and out until it sparkles. Rid your house of any signs or smells of pets. Finally, on the day of the open house, consider boarding your pets, put out flowers, and offer refreshments, and you’ll be good to go. This home represents your past, but for someone else, it is their future. If you follow these tips, you can make the most of your open house.

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Gloria Martinez loves sharing her business expertise and hopes to inspire other women to start their own businesses and seek promotions in the workplace. She founded WomenLed.org to spotlight and celebrate women’s achievements.