Do Open Houses Really Help You Sell Your Home?
When you put your home on the market, you want it to get as much attention as it can. One timeless way to get noticed and let potential buyers connect with your home is by holding an open house.
Today, most homebuyers start their search online, but that doesn’t mean that an open house is no longer a valuable sales tool. A National Association of Realtors survey found that 45% of homebuyers said they used open houses as a major source of information as part of their home search.
If you decide to hold an open house, these tips can help ensure that it’s a success.
Market the Open House
If you’ve driven through Pinecrest on a Sunday recently, you’ve probably seen all the open house signs up and down Old Cutler and Ludlam. It because house hunters will just drive up and down the neighborhood, going from open house to open house.
But that’s usually not enough.
We like to coordinate with Realtors that we know have buyers looking in the area and let them know that the open house is coming. Another trend, most common in higher-priced homes, is to have a ‘Broker’s Open House.’ It’s where we let other Realtors come tour the home before we officially list it so they can run to their buyers and get them interested before we even put your home on the market.
The point of the open house is to get interest; how to do that best depends on your neighborhood.
Neutralize the Environment
When preparing your home for an open house, make sure nothing controversial is on display, such as religious or political items. Another tip is to remove any family photos or personal items. Sometimes a blank slate better helps potential buyers see themselves in the home.
Set the Stage
In addition to neutralizing the space, you should also stage your home to appeal to buyers. Of course, you need to clean and de-clutter everything. Open the blinds or curtains to make rooms seem brighter, add some fresh flowers or plants, make sure the house smells fresh, and rearrange (or even remove) furniture to make rooms look bigger.
Just be sure to lock up any valuables and not leave out any personal documents or paperwork. And, remove litter boxes or pet food bowls.
Don’t Stick Around
Even though it’s weird having a bunch of strangers roaming around your house, you really need to leave during the open house. And, take your pets with you. We will be there to make sure everything goes smoothly.
If you’re planning to put your home on the market, we can help you every step of the way, including the open house. Give us a call at 305-329-7744.
