Many home sellers use open houses to help them sell a home. If you make your house presentable, spotless from top to bottom and if your house is priced correctly, then you’re well on your way for a successful showing. Additionally, having meticulous preparation to improve your home’s curb appeal and help increase your property’s worth is the first thing you need to know to be successful in hosting an open house! Moreover, many homebuyers use the internet to locate potential homes and often go through a neighborhood’s day of open houses before they contact their real estate agent. This makes the open house all the more important in the marketing process. Hosting an open house? Here are 3 ways to be successful in [market-city].
Research and Market
To be successful in hosting an open house, you must understand the market comparable properties in the area and price the home in a way that is attractive. Being an average home in the neighborhood but priced as the most expensive might prevent serious buyers from attending. Pricing a home competitively can yield multiple offers above the asking price and generate a sale faster than other neighborhood homes for sale.
Once the right price is set, marketing efforts begin. Put “open house” notices on all digital and print marketing. Notify real estate agents of the open house and even offer an agent-only preview open house. The day of the open house requires ample signage as people enter a community. Starting signage near main thoroughfares or community hubs like shopping centers helps get the most traffic to an open house the day of the event.
Preparing the House
The home needs to be as “show ready” as possible for a successful hosting an open house. Agents and homeowners need to work together to make sure they have a clear picture of how the home will best show. Declutter and stage the home. Windows need to be clean and open, allowing as much natural light as possible. Kitchens and bathrooms should sparkle. Clean up the landscaping and remove and put away any tools or toys from around the yard.
On the day of the open house, take out all trash. Make sure bathrooms have ample toilet paper and clean towels. Put away personal items such as toothbrushes or razors. Clean all dishes and run the dishwasher. Wipe down counters and give toilets a quick scrub. Run a mop and vacuum carpet before the open house begins. Shoot down all exterior walkways, clearing them of leaves, dirt, and other debris. Water the grass and plants, helping enhance the first impression of your curb appeal.
No one wants to experience having clients want to drive away before even going inside!
You never get a second chance to make a great first impression. So put plenty of effort into improving your home’s curb appeal as the first part of getting your house ready for a showing in Greater Cincinnati Area. The outside of your home is the first thing prospective buyers will see when they pull up for viewing.
Being a Good Host
During the open house, welcome anyone who walks in. Invite them to sign in, explaining to each guest that they want to let the homeowner know how successful the open house was. Sign-in sheets should allow guests to leave contact information. Have high-gloss color information sheets on the property for guests to take.
Light candles during an open house and play neutral music or a sporting event on television. This helps create a homey atmosphere. Offer cookies or bagels with water for guests. Ask attendees what they are looking for and what they thought of the house. If there are disclosures, provide that when people walk in. If there is a home highlight, show it off so people don’t overlook it.
Thank people for attending and follow up with those who provided contact information or their agent. Following up helps gauge how the public really felt about the house and its pricing. Most markets have a two to three-week window before listings become stale so the more feedback the better.
Do you plan on selling your Greater Cincinnati Area house soon? We can help! Send us a message or give our team a call today! (513) 813-6293
If you have questions such as: Can a homeowner host an open house? How do you host a good open house? Do agents get paid for open houses? What is the best time to host an open house? Connect with us and we’re here to help. When you call our hotline, you’ll be connected with real estate experts who will listen to the specifics of your situation before making recommendations and answering any questions you have in hosting an open house. Team Sztanyo can provide assistance anywhere in Greater Cincinnati and in places like Anderson Township, Batavia, Blue Ash, Colerain Township, College Hill, Columbia-Tusculum, Oakley, Pleasant Ridge, Sharonville, Silverton, Springdale, Walnut Hills, West Chester, Wyoming.