Rain is a reality in the spring, particularly in the Ozarks. Where else would we get all the beautiful greenery we’re famous for? Unfortunately, it can really feel like rain on your parade when bad weather comes to town and you have an open house or a home showing scheduled—but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some ways to respond when the rain comes knocking on your door:
Fix all water drainage issues and clean your gutters. Naturally this is something you would already be doing in preparation for selling your home, but when rain is on the way it’s even more crucial. Buyers who see bad drainage or overflowing gutters are going to be distracted from the highlights of your home. If you don’t have the time or inclination to hire someone to come take care of your gutters, you can easily do it yourself, up to and including many of the basic repairs they’re most likely to need.
On rainy days, your entryway needs even more attention. After all, first impressions are everything. Consider adding an umbrella stand for your guests to use, as well as either a place to remove shoes or a cute basket of shoe covers to prevent mud from entering your home—your attention to these details will make it clear to potential buyers how well you care for your home. Make sure to integrate these items into the organization of your entryway for best possible results!
Bring in the light! Rainy days are gloomy and gloomy is not the word you want people associating with your home, so brighten your home as much as you can. This doesn’t necessarily have to mean adding more lights or lamps; try some candles for a softer feel, or replace your current light bulbs with daylight light bulbs for a sunshine feel. If neither of those work for you, here are some more great tips to brighten up those rooms.
Damp weather doesn’t just highlight your gutters; it can also bring out unpleasant smells in your home. Smoke? Pet smells? Old spills? Yup, they can all make a comeback with the rain. Dealing with smells in your home can be frustrating, but it’s well worth your time to find the correct method to remove and lingering scents. Once you’ve done that, feel free to add back in some light, pleasant scents such as citrus or lavender to make your home even more welcoming.
If all else fails and no one comes, try to view the experience as feedback. People who are serious about your home will come out, even in the rain, because they don’t want to miss it. If you don’t get any bites, consider potential issues with your listing. Discuss your price with your realtor or consider getting professional real estate photography done— something we can help with!
In the end, preparing for a rainy day showing is worth your time because it means you’ll be that much more prepared when the sun does shine. And remember, the best way to get people to come to your home, rain or shine, is with truly exceptional real estate photography. Creative Endeavors can meet your needs with our variety of packages and pricing, so contact us today!