Are you selling your home and looking to host an open house? Open houses can be an effective way to attract potential buyers and create a better impression of your property. However, open houses also require some preparation in order to make sure that everything goes smoothly and that you’re able to maximize the chance of selling your home. Here are open house tips for sellers who understand that first impressions matter.
Getting the Basics Down
One of the most important open house tips for sellers is starting small. Before you become an interior designer by adding details, make sure that your open house space is clean, tidy, and clutter-free. Remove any personal items from the open house area and make sure it looks inviting to potential buyers.
Ensure that all furniture and accessories are arranged in an organized manner so that guests can move around the open house space with ease. Additionally, open all windows and curtains to let in natural light and make sure that the temperature is comfortable for everyone who will be attending the open house.
Finally, decorate the open house area with neutral elements like plants or artwork to add a cozy feeling. These simple steps to make your home a clean slate will allow potential buyers to envision their home becoming their home.
Who Should Host an Open House?
Short answer: anyone can host an open house. However, there are a few factors to take into consideration. The first is whether or not the seller has enough time and energy to devote to hosting.
A professional real estate agent or property manager can be a great help in this regard as they have experience in open house showings and know how to manage them effectively. Ultimately, the decision is up to the seller, but if you've already hired a listing agent, use them to host your open house.
When to Host an Open House?
When planning an open house, the first step is to determine when you should hold it. The optimal time for open houses usually falls on the weekends, particularly the first Sunday after you have listed your home. In most areas, it's wise to avoid hosting open houses during holidays or long weekends when potential buyers are likely to be away from home.
It's completely fine to host open houses on weeknights, as some people will be available on weeknights rather than on the weekend. However, try to stick to one night a week for weeknight showings if you choose to show your house outside of weekend hours.
How to Host an Open House?
Everything you do to prepare for showings are tasks your agent should be prepared to help you complete. Make sure your home is clean and well-maintained before hosting an open house –– you want potential buyers to get a good first impression when they walk in the door.
Consider setting up a table with light snacks and beverages for visitors to enjoy as they look around your home. One of the best open house tips for sellers is to have a packet of information or flyer about the house, such as the floor plan, neighborhood amenities, photos, and contact information visitors can take when they leave.
How to Market an Open House?
Start by using social media sites to promote the upcoming open house event. Include photographs, videos, and descriptions of your property to give potential buyers a good look at what is available. You should also list the open house on sites to reach even more buyers.
Place open house signs outside of your home to let people know that your house is open for viewing. Have your real estate agent contact other local real estate agents who are currently working with buyers. Social media is a wonderful tool, but word-of-mouth goes a long way too.
Spruce Up Your Home
This is one of the easiest things you can do to ensure your house sells for what it's worth. You've deep cleaned and decluttered. Now it's time to identify places where your house could use a little love. Curb appeal is real –– consider replacing exterior doors, cleaning street-facing windows, and landscaping in the front yard.
If an update to your home would be cheap, consider it. Popular features with buyers are as simple as ceiling fans. Consider fresh paint or anything that might breathe new life into your well-loved home. You want your buyers to see your home not just as it is but as it could be.
Highlight the Best Features of Your Home
When hosting an open house, it's important to make sure that potential buyers can clearly see the best features of your home. Make sure these areas are lit up and open for easy viewing.
Highlight any unique characteristics or special aspects of the home, such as a great view from the balcony, ample storage space, or a fireplace, by making them hard to miss. Establish a focal point in a room and design the space outward from there with new eyes (this is where your Realtor comes in).
When you showcase the features that you and your real estate agent feel set your house apart from other properties, you give buyers a sense of what makes your home special.
Give Visitors Space During Showings
Dreams need room to breathe, which means you just have to take a step back while strangers are poking through your home. Following visitors around and asking if they like the master bedroom will not result in the sale of your house. Let them know you're there if they have any questions, and then step back.
Sell Your House
If you're looking for more open house tips for sellers or a reliable real estate agent to help you sell your Pismo Beach house, contact Mike Oliver today. Mike is an expert in Central Coast real estate and looks forward to helping you on your real estate journey.
