What are Seven Personal Items You Should Never Leave Out During an Open House?

When your open house is scheduled, you already know not to leave out any money.  You also know you should not leave any piles of dirty laundry. But there are a few items you may not think to put away.

Personal documents- Papers that list your full name and numbers like your social security card, checkbook, or credit cards should be put away in a locked cabinet or taken with you.  

Mail addressed with your name- The last thing you need is a potential buyer having access to your personal life and uncovering items about you.  Keep your identity secret and put away your mail.

Space heaters, fans, and more- Items you may use every day could give the buyer the impression something is wrong.  Your space heater could indicate your heater does not work as well as it should, or a fan could indicate you’re a/c doesn’t cool your home.

Your pets- Some people aren’t pet fan so putting away your pet snake or dog kennel could help sell your home.

 Political posters- You may be proud of your political posters but others may not agree with your views.  Putting them in the of your papers on your desk or filing them away until your home sells will be for the best.

Delicious food in your fridge- Guests may be tempted to help themselves to your food or snoop in your cabinets.  Try tidying up your fridge and pantry before someone comes to view your home so they aren’t tempted to help themselves.

What Renovations are Worth It?

If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, bathroom, master, suite or more, you may want to check to see if your renovation will be worth it in the end.  Not all home renovation pay off like they did in the past so do your research to ensure you aren’t wasting your money.

Research has shown that in 2018 American should expect to make back only a little over half of the money they spend on their renovation.  That is down from previous years.

Current events such as new tax laws and property taxes might affect your home improvements and how much you can expect to make back from them.  Natural disaster can also increase the cost to do your remodel.

A new garage door might surprise you as the improvement that will pay for itself by earning 98.3% of your money back.  A new back patio will only allow you to earn back 48% of your expenses.  Minor kitchen remodel, siding replacement, window replacement, bathroom remodel and roof replacement will allow you to earn back well over half of your investment.