You have made the decision to put your home on the market, you found your qualified REALTOR®, and he or she has created a marketing plan to sell your home - now you are ready to get the potential buyers through the front door. It's open house time.
The National Association of REALTOR® 2006 Profile of Buyers and Sellers showed that 47 percent of all homebuyers go to open houses. Open houses are held for a few reasons. First and foremost, they are held to promote the property for the seller, but the event can also entice a buyer who may have not otherwise made an appointment to see the home.
In today's tech-savvy world, many potential buyers may have already viewed your home by watching a virtual tour on their computer, but an open house allows those buyers to see your home at its very best. It's your job to work with your REALTOR® to make sure your home is ready to show.
It's customary to hold open houses on Sundays, but there is every reason to consider weeknights and Saturdays as well. Remember that the open house should be held during a time that is convenient for you, but also flexible for busy buyers - your REALTOR® can work with you on specifics.
Being prepared is the most important aspect of hosting an open house. There are a few things you can do before each showing to prepare your home: turn on all of the lights, even during the daytime and including outside entrance, closets, basement and attic; turn off the television, radio and stereo; if you have pets, keep them fenced in or ask your neighbors to pet sit; display fresh flowers, hang decorative hand towels in the bathroom and place an attractive tablecloth on your dining room table; de-personalize your rooms; and lastly, take the day off. It may be awkward for potential buyers to look in your closets and express opinions on your home while you are there. Remember that the point is to present your home so the potential buyers can easily imagine themselves living there.
A concern for some in hosting an open house is the possibility of theft. An open house is an open invitation for people to come through the home, and some may pass through who may not be qualified to buy a home or have no intention to. Although the possibility is low because your REALTOR® will be on site during the open house, it is hard to watch everyone at all times. So, make sure you lock up your valuables, jewelry and money.
Hosting an open house is just another way to get potential buyers to view your home. And with the right preparation, an open house can be very successful. For more information, talk with your REALTOR® and decide what is best for you and your home.
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