Invest in Your Nest: Open House Success

By Barbara Kavovit
Published by Rodale; June 2006;$19.95US/$26.95CAN; 1-59486-151-X

Excerpt
The following is an excerpt from the book Invest in Your Nest

Open House Success
An open house creates excitement and lets a lot of people view the property at once. Even if your neighbors who have no intention of buying come by (and this will happen), they may have friends and friends of friends who are interested in buying a house -- and if they like what they see, they will spread the word. Make sure your open house is a success by:

Placing your house brochure in conspicuous locations around the house

Replacing lightbulbs with bulbs of the highest wattage the fixtures will allow and turning on all the lights -- bright houses are more appealing than dark ones

Keeping draperies and window coverings open

Placing a bowl of fresh fruit such as apples or lemons and limes on the kitchen island or table

Making sure the bathroom towels are clean (or new), beautifully folded, and stacked or hung

Setting your dining room or kitchen table for a meal with your prettiest china and best linen napkins

Storing accumulated mail out of sight and tossing old newspapers and magazines

Cleaning out the fireplace and stacking new logs; if it's cold outside, build a fire

Turning off the TV and softly playing jazz or classical music

Grinding up a fresh lemon or orange in the garbage disposal or simmering some cinnamon and cloves in a pot of water on the stove

Locking up or securely storing small valuables

Keeping pets securely penned or contained so they don't frighten buyers or escape during a viewing

Reprinted from: Invest in Your Nest: Add Style, Comfort, and Value to Your Home by Barbara Kavovit © 2006 Rodale Inc. Permission granted by Rodale, Inc., Emmaus, PA 18098. Available wherever books are sold or directly from the publisher by calling (800) 848-4735 or visit their website at www.rodalestore.com.

Author:
Barbara K is CEO of barbara k!, a comprehensive lifestyle brand that offers solutions for women through innovative home enhancement/repair and automotive products. She is also the home improvement expert for AOL Coaches and author of the inspirational fix-it handbook Room for Improvement. Barbara has been featured in the New York Times, USA Today, Real Simple, and O, The Oprah Magazine, among others, and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs, including Today and Good Morning America. She lives in New York City with her son, Zachary. For Barbara K's products, visit www.barbarak.com