Open House Tips

July 10th, 2015 | by: SM SOLD | Posted in : Real Estate Tips

The open house is a principal real estate practice used to sell a home. However, agents have debated whether an open house is a good idea. Open houses have become a beacon for thieves and agents have had varying success with it in terms of sales.

However, an open house is a great way to showcase your property to prospective buyers. It provides buyers an opportunity to view a property closely, converse with agents and neighbors, and decide if the home is for them. For agents, an open house is one of the most cost effective ways to meet potential leads. Agents can work on building a network while selling their client’s property. Here are a few tips on how to host the perfect open house.

Staging

Staging is the act of preparing a home for sale. This means cleaning it up, de-cluttering the space, and depersonalizing it. Start by making giving the home a good scrubbing and making sure its dust free. Use neutral odor cleaning products. However, avoid using air fresheners as people may be allergic. After making the home nice and clean, arrange the furniture in an appealing manner. Opt for furniture with neutral colors. Also, try to clear out the closets and organize the storage space. Cluttered closets give viewers the impression that there is not enough space in the home. Removing family photos and other distracting objects is also an important step. This will allow visitors to picture themselves living in the space. On the day of, it’s also a good idea to have some snacks out, such as cookies. The smell of fresh cookies will add a pleasant odor to the home as well as give visitors something to munch on.

Advertising

To spread the word, begin by placing an open house sign on the property a week before the scheduled open house date. This will help generate traffic and inform all the neighbors of the event. Advertise the home on social media channels and your property website as well. Send emails to your clients informing them of the event. Posting flyers around town will also help increase traffic. Make sure open house details are clearly stated and include photos and property description in your ad.

Safety & Security

Safety is a big concern for many real estate agents and should not be taken lightly. First, make sure all valuables and identity cards are completely out of access. Valuables include money, jewelry, electronics, and office equipment. If it’s out for view, it can be stolen. To increase security, visitors should also be made to sign in when first entering the property. Everyone who entered your property will be documented in case something happens. Additionally, check your phone signal beforehand to make sure you can reach an emergency operator if a situation arises.

Follow these tips and you’ll have a safe and successful open house. After the showing, don’t be afraid to ask visitors what they thought about the property. Oftentimes, the feedback can surprise you and may even lead to an offer!