Why use open house events to market your home?
An open house is an long-standing marketing method employed by real estate agents to open a listing to the public on a given date and time. REALTORS® advertise their open house using various media channels including web sites, home magazines and the Multiple Listing Service.

The objective of an open house event is to allow potential homebuyers to have a detailed look at the house so that they have a clear idea about the property. An open house also gives your REALTOR® the ability to address all questions from the prospective buyer or buyer’s agent.

Open houses are usually held at weekends, when the intending buyers are free and have the time to visit the house with their families and friends. Sometimes, they can make on the spot decisions. A lot of time is saved in making appointments, more so, since in any multi-party meeting, buyer and the agent may not be free to attend them at the same time.

Preparing for the open house.
Remember the “60% rule” when it comes to the homebuyers decision-making process: It has been determined that 40% of the actual buying decision is based on “curb appeal” – the first look at a homes exterior from the street – then the property’s location and neighborhood. Another 20% of the buying decision is determined upon entering the home. In other words, sixty percent of the decision to buy or not to buy a home is made when the buyer enters the front door!

So how do you prepare your home to be irresistible to buyers during your open house? Making your home look as nice as possible may seem obvious. However, as Realtors® we know better. We view many homes during open house events with our buyers and many sellers don’t do much beyond vacuuming the living room rug and maybe cleaning the ring off the bathtub. Short of spending a lot of money, we offer several steps sellers can take to make their home show better:

1. Put fresh flowers in principal rooms for a touch of color.
This can add a touch of elegance to any home.

2. Add a new shower curtain and fresh towels to every bath.
This is a quick and easy way to make your home’s baths more attractive.

3. Set out potpourri or fresh baked goods for a homey smell.
Scented sprays are too obvious and many people find them offensive, so it’s best to avoid them. If you want to have a pleasant aroma in your house, have a potpourri pot.

4. Set the table with dishes & candles.
Showing that the home is a center for family activities and events helps potential buyers visualize themselves becoming the new owners!

5. Buy a fresh doormat.
Always makes a good first impression – and it’s inexpensive!

6. Take one or two major pieces of furniture out of every room.
This will create a sense of spaciousness and help simplify the rooms.

7. Put away kitchen appliances and personal bathroom items.
This will give the illusion of more counter space and help with giving your property a less “lived-in” look.

8. Lay a fire in the fireplace.
If your selling your house during the winter months, this is a great opportunity to showcase the fireplace – nothing says “welcome home” more than a roaring fire. If your open house event is in a warmer season, put flowers or candles in the fireplace.

9. De-personalize the rooms by putting away family photos.
Remember, you must emotionally disconnect with your home when it comes to dressing your home to sell. If you are selling property, real estate agents will refer to it as a “house.” There is a reason for this. Buying real estate is often an emotional decision, but when you’re selling real estate, you need to remove emotion from the equation. Think of your house as a marketable commodity. Property. Real estate. Your goal is to get others to see it as THEIR potential home, not yours. If you do not consciously make this decision, you can inadvertently create a situation where it may take longer to sell your property.

10. Water the lawn for 30 minutes before the open house.
This will “green up” the grass just enough and give it a brilliant color.

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