7 Open House Tips

In our "Selling Tip 1.0" we talked about Home Staging, and it's importance.

When we have an Open House to bring in potential buyers, Staging comes into play. So do some other important points.

1. Owners should not be present during an open house.
    Having a sentimental and attached person there will turn your prospects away. They do not want to     feel like they are intruding on your property. It's better to have a family friend or relative who can       be impartial, or better yet a Realtor. Someone who will work hard to acquire you a buyer.

2. Clean and de-clutter.
    That means carpet, window treatments, appliances and furniture. Closets should be relieved of  
    much of their contents, as they can be a deal breaker for many potential buyers. The same is true of     the kitchen. Remove hanging equipment or potential safety hazards. Towels should be put into    
    drawers, not hanging on the oven handle. Remove any evidence of pets: people will run from a  
    house that may have had a pet.

3. Not all smells are equal.
    Not everyone will like the fragrance that you think "spruces" up the place.
    Keep it simple, the deep clean you just did will give a welcome, clean scent that everyone will  
    enjoy.

4. Lightly decorate for the season.
    Nothing to heavy, a door arrangement, something for the mantle and maybe a dining table center  
    piece. This gives them the sense of home, with out them feeling like they're intruding on your
    home.

5. Year Round
     Have some pictures around of what the house looks like during the different seasons. The busiest        time of year to buy are warm months, but people want to know what the area looks like during the      fall, winter and spring months as well.

6. Paper Information
    Extra pamphlets about he house, MLS Listings for examples are great advertising. They can go  
    home with that information, pick it up at a later time and potentially buy that house from the
    physical reminder. School district information and a map of the local business district are also  
    great to have on hand. Don't forget your Realtor's business card and information.

7. Light snack.
    People are more open minded and attentive when they've been fed. But it's costly, not to mention
    messy and too much work to have a full lunch provided. Instead a simple dessert tray; cookies,  
    pastries and tarts go a long way!

Until next time.
Kristi Eskew