Having An Open House

Getting Buyers To Show Up!

Sellers literally open their homes certain times on certain days and invite the public to walk through the home. Sellers and their agents hope they'll attract a wide range of buyers who can preview several homes within a few hours.

While seeing as many as a dozen homes in a single day can be confusing (not to mention exhausting), it gives buyers an opportunity to see if the house is worth going back for a second, more formal showing. If nothing is appealing, the buyers don’t have to waste valuable time during the week. Open houses give sellers the opportunity to maximize their cleaning efforts – one cleaning for an open house can reap a handful of calls for a second showing.

Agents and brokers like to hold open houses because it helps them gauge how much interest there is from the public and if they have the home priced correctly: If no one comes to the open house, it’s a fairly good indication that the home may be overpriced for its condition and location, or there is stiff competition in the marketplace.

Here are some things you should think about before hosting or attending an open house:

Steps to Preparing for an Open House

1. Hire a cleaning service. A spotlessly clean home is essential; dirt will turn off a prospect faster than anything.

2. Mow your lawn, and be sure toys and yard equipment are put away.

3. Serve cookies, coffee, and soft drinks. It creates a welcoming touch. But be sure the kitchen has been cleaned up; use disposable cups so the sink doesn’t fill up.

4. Lock up your valuables, jewelry, and money.

5. Turn on all the lights. Even in the daytime, incandescent lights add sparkle.

6. Open all the blinds. More light and window will make your home look larger.

7. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room with a note on the door stating not to open because of pet.

8. Get a babysitter for the kids. Take your kids to a friends or babysitters home. Buyers don't want to be distracted by children running around.

9. If your buying a home after the sale of yours, ask your buyer's agent to help you with the open house. A buyer's agent will help you stage your home, screen buyers as they enter and help you market the property. Many agents are willing to help because they benefit from getting business from new buyers that may not be interested in your home.

10. If your using an agent, leave. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there. If your selling on your own tell the prospective buyers to go ahead and open everything.

11. Advertise, Advertise, Advertise! Open houses are generally done on Sunday afternoons from 1-4pm. Put out ads in your local paper, stores walls, on your flyers and on your sign. Let the public know the date and time along with your address and directions. If your willing to pay a selling commission to real estate agents, send flyers to their offices announcing your open house and that your willing to pay a commission.

12. Safety. Never let the buyer walk around your property without you or a buddy. Invite a friend or two to help you and ensure they know everything about your home. A guided tour will inform the buyers of all the things your property has to offer.

13. Have a lender at your open house. If your buying again and using a lender for your new purchase, invite them to be a part of your open house. Lenders can help qualify potential buyers and maybe help with your advertising about the open house.

Ten Ways to Make Your Home Irresistible at an Open House

1. Put fresh or silk flowers in principal rooms for a touch of color.

2. Add a new shower curtain, fresh towels, and new guest soaps to every bath.

3. Set out potpourri or fresh baked goods for a homey smell.

4. Set the table with pretty dishes and candles.

5. Buy a fresh doormat with a clever saying.

6. Take one or two major pieces of furniture out of every room to create a sense of spaciousness.

7. Put away kitchen appliances and personal bathroom items to give the illusion of more counter space.

8. Lay a fire in the fireplace or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.

9. Depersonalize the rooms by putting away family photos, mementos, and distinctive artwork.

10. Have a flyer on the kitchen counter detailing what your home and the neighborhood has to offer.

Safety: Who's Entering Your Home? - click here