Tips For A Great Open House
If you’re thinking of selling your home, or if you
currently have an active listing, open houses can be a great way to find
buyers, generate buzz, and encourage offers. However, for unprepared agents and
sellers, an open house can be stressful. Chaotic closets, over-powering odors
and bad curb appeal can turn off potential buyers. What’s the best way to have
a successful open house? To display the listing in the best possible light. Put
the polish on every vantage point with these simple open house tips.
1. No strong scents.
More than 30 percent of people reported scented
products as “irritating,” according to a study done by Environ Health.
Avoid turning off 30 percent of your potential buyers by not using air
fresheners or candles. Instead,
I recommend doing a deep cleaning to eliminate odors. Let in fresh air, get the
carpets professionally cleaned, and deodorize appliances.
2. No clutter.
You want potential buyers to focus on the home and not
distracting clutter. Sellers should de-clutter and depersonalize a home before doing
showings or open houses.
3. Clean out all closets.
Closet size is important for many buyers, so there’s a
good chance that at least one closet will be put under a microscope during an
open house. I recommend sellers to trim closet contents to really strengthen
their appearance.
4. No owners.
Selling a home is an emotional thing. There is nothing
wrong with those emotions, and it’s part of what makes our job as real estate
agents so rewarding. We love being a part of something so profound. However, no
open house benefits from an emotionally attached seller hanging around.
5. No pets (or evidence of pets).
As sweet and loveable pets are, they can also create
damage and odors. Many potential buyers consider it a turn off if pets have
lived there. It’s vital to remedy signs of pet damage, and to remove pets from
the home during open houses.
6. Light and bright.
In brighter light, rooms can appear larger. I
recommend experimenting with different lighting before the open house. Try turning
on different sources of light to see what accents your homes best features, and
definitely open shades and curtains.
7. Photo boards.
I got this idea from a fellow agent, and I love it!
It’s tricky for buyers to know what a property looks like at different times of
the year. That’s what good photos are for. Use photo boards, tablet or a laptop
slideshow to show off a property in different times of the year.
8. Put down the toilet lids.
Just do it.
9. Attractive entrance.
A home’s entrance sets the tone for the rest of the
house so it’s crucial to have the right first impression. Clean up any cobwebs
or dirt around the front door and get rid of any dead plants and debris.
Decorate with a nice wreath or a nice chair or bench. You want your buyers to
smile upon their approach because that positivity will carry on throughout the
remainder of the tour.
10. Have treats and encourage
participation.
Everyone likes a chance to win! I like to do a raffle
for a $20 gift card of some sort, which always gets positive feedback and participation.
Also, my homemade sugar cookies shaped like houses and keys are always a big
hit! Get creative in ways that will spotlight this open house and distinguish
it from the rest.
11. Be different when giving information.
Digital information is awesome, but printed
information is the best option. Don’t hesitate to put a printed brochure or
photo postcard into a buyer’s hands. There’s something about tangible, physical
information and it could later encourage a sale or referral.
12. Always be safe.
Personal safety is more important than any other
factor of hosting an open house. Work open houses in teams, identify your
exits, and trust your instincts. Don’t sacrifice security for the sake of
appearing “nice” or “approachable.”
http://www.kimberlykennedy.findmytrianglehome.com
