Whether you’re a home seller or a real estate agent, you might be wondering how to best hold your next open house. Now, to start off, nothing says you must have an open house. In fact, for some properties, it might not be right at all. However, in many cases, an open house can be an enjoyable and even fun experience… for your potential buyers and you! How can you make this happen? Let’s find out!
Prepare the home with a cleanup
Probably the biggest deal breaker when it comes to an open house is a dirty home. Can you imagine going into one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, only to find dirt and grime? It might sound simple, but it’s incredibly important to ensure that the home goes through a cleaning inspection prior to an open house.
Open up those windows!
Just like you don’t want the home to be dirty, you also want it to be filled with as much natural light as possible. This is especially true if the property has an attractive view or an interesting outdoor feature. You’d be surprised how many Realtors forget to just open up the blinds and pull back those curtains!
Add music and refreshments
My more seasoned Realtors will recognize this one right off the bat. However, it’s worth repeating. First, music can help ease any awkwardness people have while they’re touring the home. My recommendation is something relaxing and always in the background. Next, whether you go with a sweet treat or something a little different, provide a snack for your guests, maybe even coffee. And trust me, they’ll love it!
Ensure that the driveway is clear
This one might sound like a throwaway, but it is definitely a critical task that many people forget. By parking your car around the corner, for example, you’re making sure there’s plenty of parking for everyone who wants to attend your open house. And when they see your open house sign and the welcoming driveway, they’ll know right away where to stop!
Get emails so you can follow-up
Why not just collect phone numbers? With email, you can send seasonal photos of the home to highlight its attractiveness throughout the year. Or you can simply reach out to remind them about how much fun they had at your open house!
Include a flyer for potential buyers
At the same time, a property flyer can go a long way with many buyers. Think about it for a moment: if you’re attending one open house, what are the chances that you’re seeing a number of homes in a weekend? By including a flyer with photos and information, you’ll increase the chances that your potential buyers remember the specifics of what makes your property special.
Terry Records
Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service