If you are thinking about selling your home, plan to utilize all possible marketing tools available to you, including open houses. 

Open Houses can be a fantastic opportunity to introduce potential buyers to a property. For most of 2020 and 2021, open houses have not been needed as the red hot seller’s market has seen many properties sell within a few days of being listed. Moreover, since the pandemic began, most municipalities issued a moratorium on open houses and group gatherings in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. As pandemic restrictions are slowly being lifted, more Sellers are warming up to the idea of using open houses as part of the marketing strategy for their home.

The following tips will help you to make your open house a success:

Address Flaws & Deficiencies:

As a homeowner, you want your property to present in the best possible light and to be show-stopper ready for potential buyers.   Even in a seller’s market, buyers are less likely to offer on a house that has obvious flaws, especially ones that are costly to correct, such as failing rooftops or mold issues. Even minor flaws can be a turn-off for potential buyers. It is important that sellers address “red flags” before buyers arrive for a property tour.  Be sure to spruce up the interior and exterior of your home. Cut the lawn and weed the gardens to maximize curb appeal and if necessary, refresh the home with a new coat of paint.

Practice the 3 D’s: Depersonalize, Deep Clean & Declutter:

When potential buyers step through the front door, they should be able to envision themselves living in the home.  For this reason, it is best to remove family photos, fridge magnets, kids’ toys and personal hygiene items so that the buyer has an easier time picturing themselves in the space.  The following items are particularly important to remove: toothbrushes, shower items, dirty laundry, & pet items, including: food bowls, litter boxes, toys, etc.

Nothing turns a buyer off more than a dirty home and clutter.  Prepare to do a deep clean:  vacuum, wash floors, wipe down baseboards, wash windows, put away all laundry and ensure that the kitchen and bathrooms are scrubbed and sparkling clean!  Store away excess items and organize closets and pantries.  For most buyers, storage spaces are extremely valuable.  For privacy and security, remember to hide or store prescription drugs, mail, private documents, as well as keys and remotes that can be used to access your home.

Hand your Agent the Reigns and Leave your Home for the Day:

Most potential buyers at an open house do not want to meet the seller.  As buyers tour the home, they want to be able to speak candidly about it and to provide honest feedback to the agent.  If a seller is present, they may have more difficulty sharing their opinions. It is best to trust your agent to show off your home and all that it has to offer. 

Don’t forget to take your pets with you for the day.  Not all buyers are “animal people” and for some, it is a turnoff.  For those with allergies, a dog or cat that is present may cause a sneezing fit or prohibit them from entering the house at all due to the severity of their reaction.   

Bonus Tips for a Fantastic Open House:  

• Pull back the curtains and roll up the blinds to allow the natural light to flood into your home! Not only does this enhance the appearance of the space, it also makes it look bigger. 
• Skip the air freshener! Not only do some buyers have sensitivities or allergies to artificial scents, it may cause some people to think that the homeowner is trying to cover up the smell of mold or smoke.  Instead, bake some cookies or throw a pie in the oven.  The aroma of freshly baked goods will be sure to warm buyers up to your property.
• Remove all ashtrays, even if they are only outside as they may prompt buyers to question whether or not people smoke in the house, even if only occasionally.
• Remove fans and/or space heaters as this will lead many buyers to think that the heating and cooling system is not efficient and that rooms may become too hot or too cold.  These items are typically not aesthetically pleasing to boot.

For more great open house tips or to discuss selling your home, reach out.