Holding a Successful Open House

The real estate market is competitive. To sell your home quickly and for the best price, it’s important to put some extra effort into the selling process. After you’ve staged your home, you need to start holding open houses. In order to sell your home, prospective buyers need to see it and picture themselves living there.

Here are some things to remember when holding an open house:

• Market the open house on the internet – Most prospective buyers start their home search on the internet. List your open house on sites like Craigslist.
• Buy a new “welcome” mat – This sets the stage for your open house before the potential buyer even steps foot in your door.
Keep things perfectly clean – Dirty homes lead potential buyers to question the house, like, “If a home owner can’t even dust before an open house, were other vital things, like regular home maintenance, neglected?”
• Open windows – Unless a window looks out to an eyesore, it should be open, and drapes should be tied back. Natural light creates a welcoming, positive environment.
• Keep the air fresh – Bad odors are a turn-off. While you might not be able to smell your pet, those who do not own an animal certainly will. However, never use air fresheners, as some people are allergic to synthetic fragrances. Instead, bake cookies. Or, if time is limited, simply place two teaspoons of vanilla in a coffee mug, and place it in an oven heated to 300 degrees for an hour. Just remember, if you are going to entice the sense of smell, you better have treats available in the kitchen.
• Play music – Playing soft music sets the mood.
• Show photos – Display photos of what the house looks like in every season, especially if you are trying to sell your house in the winter. Showing a prospective buyer what the house looks like with lush foliage is a major selling point.
• Set rules for privacy – Even though you are trying to sell your home, it is still your home. To maintain your safety and the security of your belongings, take some extra precautions. Make all visitors sign-in, lock up valuables and keep all doors open.

By putting in a little extra effort, you’ll hopefully unload your house in a timely manner, for the right price. If you have any other tips for a successful open house, let us know on our Facebook or Twitter account