Tips for Conducting a Successful Open House
Throughout our time building and selling custom homes, we have conducted countless open houses for several different properties. This advice draws on that experience and is intended to help you make the most of your time when you open your home to potential buyers.
Curb Appeal
Maximizing your home’s curb appeal is the best way to make a good first impression on prospective buyers- when one arrives at your curb, your home’s exterior should be as attractive as possible. Do whatever is necessary, pick up any outside toys or bicycles and neatly coil your garden hoses. Keep the lawn mowed and the leaves raked. If you like, a potted flower arrangement near the front door will give your buyers a nice impression. In the winter, be sure to shovel any snow and consider placing a wreath, with some color to it if possible, on your front door.
In order to attract additional potential buyers, buy some “Open House” signs (the kind with the arrows are best), they can be had for a few dollars at Home Depot or similar stores. Place them on street corners to direct people to your home from the nearest high-traffic street. Adding a couple of helium-filled latex or Mylar balloons to your signs is a good way to make them more visible and attractive.
Minimize Clutter
If possible, rent a storage space to store anything that can contribute to clutter, a clean and uncluttered house shows well. Fewer objects make rooms seem larger, and vice-versa. Pay special attention little knick-knacks and such, remember, some buyers will have small children. Don’t forget to clean and organize your closets, buyers will want to see those as well. A week before you start showing your house is a good time for a garage sale or trips to your favorite charity. Also, some cooking smells are better than others, plan accordingly. Clean the garage and scrub the floor to remove any oil spills.
All FSBOMetroDenver.com sellers are encouraged to make a brochure available for those who come to tour their home. Be sure to get one.
The Interior
Fill nail holes and touch them up, as well as any other areas with damaged paint. Don’t repaint unless touch-ups are not enough. If you do need to repaint, use neutral colors and do so far enough in advance to let your home air out sufficiently. Open drapes and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible, also wash the windows inside and out. Turn on every light, even during the day, as it adds warmth and makes visitors feel more welcome.
Presenting Your Home to the Buyer
Having lived in your home, you know the truly positive aspects that it presents to its owners. For example, you know if the layout of your kitchen is the most convenient of any house you’ve ever lived in, or if the study room is located perfectly to block out the noise of the television in the family room. You know your home beyond its room dimensions and its number of bathrooms; you know what it is like to live there and what you will miss about it. Don’t hesitate to talk about these things. The more information the buyer receives, the better chance they have to find something they like.
If you feel that it would help you, practice by giving a tour to a friend. You may also wish to make a list of things that you want to be sure to mention to buyers.
We strongly encourage having a sales brochure to give to everyone who comes to see your home. As always, make sure that you have several in the brochure box attached to your yard sign.
A Word of Caution
Remember, when you are conducting open houses or showings, you are the owner and you set the rules. It is best to have a spouse or a friend with you when showing. Realtors often double up and so should you. Keep all valuable items put away. Everyone should remain together when going from room to room. Stay in control; enjoy the showing and conversation with your buyer-to-be.
