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; f you ‘ve ever bought or sold a home, probably familiar with open K. houses and the role they can play in the sale or purchase of a home. Open houses are a marketing tool which can give a home exposure, allowing several potential purchasers to view properties over the course of a day or two â€" usually on a weekend. ; In addition to holding open houses for the public, real estate practitioners also conduct open houses for other real estate professionals. This gives them a chance to promote their listings with other practitionâ€" ers who may have suitable buyers who would be interested in these particular properties. Rely on Realtor for successful open house If you‘re a vendor, you real estate proâ€" fessional will provide you with some helpâ€" ful hints on how to make your property more marketable. First of all, your property should be in topâ€"notch condition to create a favorable and lasting first impression with potential buyers. Keep your lawn trimmed and tidy. Also make sure that all trees, hedges and shrubs look neat â€" not unruly. Trim branches that block the view of your home or hide some of its best assets. Repair any unsightly cracks or holes in your walkway or steps that could prove to be a safety hazard. And don‘t leave tools and toys strewn around the front or backâ€" yards. These detract from your home, makâ€" ing it look like an obstacle course. They could also prove to be hazardous if someâ€" one tripped over them. If your trim or siding looks dirty, wash it using an appropriate cleaning solution. (Your hardware store can probably give you tips on what‘s best to use.) And if your paintwork is peeling or blistering, it‘s time for some cosmetic surgery. A little paint can go a long way to enhance the marâ€" ketability and curb appeal of your home. If you‘re unable to tackle the job yourself, Indoors, open up curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. This helps show your home to its best advantage. And be sure to move any clutter out of sight and rearrange furniture that might impede traffic flow. hire a professional for best results. Rooms should also be thoroughly aired and as fresh as possible â€" particularly if you have pets or someone in your family is a smoker. Your Realtor will recommend that you leave the premises during the open house to help make prospective buyers feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. If you‘re in the house, purchasers are likely to be more intimidated and reluctant to give your home the thorough viewing it deserves. You want people to fully appreciate all the attributes your home has to offer â€" and they may not feel like opening closets and cupboards or talking about decorating @DARLEEN CWIRENKO Associate Broker OF SUPERLATIVESI! Spectacular pieâ€"shaped lot, 4 barms + den, finishned basement, Inground 1, Great location. $349,000. ARLEEN CWIRENKO | Vendor is anxious for an offer! Over 2000 sq.ft. w/gas fireplace. Ravine lot. DARLEEN CWIRENKO 842â€"7000. F CAROL MURPHYâ€"GLASS 842â€"7000. SMALL HOME â€" SMALLER PRICE Fully detached home, waillk to GO train, Needs some TLC. Calll today! CAROL MURPHYâ€"GLASS Convenient College F 2711 sq.ft., large pieâ€"st Hardwood, Ceramics CAROL MURPHYâ€"GLAS BEAUTIFUL BRONTE HARBOUR AREA Fabulous family room w/fireplace. Spacious kitchen, alimond cupboards. Luxurious broadloom. possibilities if you‘re in the house. Make arrangements for you, your chilâ€" dren and pets to have a dayâ€"long outing during the open house. (After all, you don‘t want Fido jumping on or barking at prospective buyers â€" and you certainly don‘t want purchasers to mistakenly let Fluffy, your indoor cat, out the back door.) Gleaming Hardwood floors. Shows Beaqutifully. AROL MURPHYâ€"GLASS Before you leave, put all personal propâ€" erty like jewelry, medications and fragile items well out of harm‘s way, in a safe, secure storage place. Don‘t leave any money lying around. To make sure everyâ€" thing is secure and ready to receive visiâ€" tors, quickly inspect your home with your Realtor just before you leave. Private garden, New oak kitchen. Realtors know that it‘s important to control traffic in and out of open houses and to have a register for all visitors to sign. If you have any particular concerns about the open house, don‘t be afraid to talk to your Realtor to see what suggesâ€" tions he or she might have. EXECUTIVE * FREEKHOLD TOWNHKHOME WHAT A DELIGHT! it College Park location large pieâ€"shape lot, . SO MUCH TO OFFER ! CAROL MURPHY GLASS e Inground pool Associate Broker