open houses: Tips for a Better Open House! - 08/29/10 05:30 AM
To piggy back on my last post about "Do Open Houses Really Work", I found this article from MSN.RealEstate:
 
1. Clean and repair your home. It should go without saying, but clean your house as if you were going to eat off the floors. Also, consider making minor cosmetic repairs and upgrades such as touching up paint and planting fresh flowers.
2.  De-clutter. Put away the ceramics collection, toys and things lining the bathroom and kitchen counters.  A crowded house makes it look smaller and makes it harder for buyers to imagine it as their own, says Gail Mayhugh, a … (2 comments)

open houses: Do Open Houses Really Work? - 08/29/10 05:19 AM
I have been a practicing realtor for a very long time. I have seen varying types of markets: Seller markets, buyer markets, crazy markets...well, you get the idea!
I view open houses as 'soft marketing' and marketing that does not get immediate 'in your face' results....in other words, an open house today, a contract tomorrow. What it DOES achieve is:
Visability for your home to your neighbors, friends and family. If your realtor really works really hard, they can even affect the buying public. Facebook, twitter, email and fax blast, open house sign twirlers and door hanger ads can all be utilized to bring … (5 comments)