Planning Your First Successful Open House

Holding an open house is a great way to draw attention to a home up for sale and gather prospective buyers together. Many Real Estate Agents are in agreement that an open house generates tons of leads that eventually lead to selling the house. An open house serves to draw in the buyers and give them a free look around the property. Many agents report that a sizable number of their final sales are due to open house previews. So, of course it is vital that the property owner make sure that their house is prepared for the open house. Make certain the home is in the best condition possible from top to the bottom. Think of the open house as the big moment. It is showtime. The house is the star and main attraction. Here are a few more suggestions for planning a successul open house.

Advertising - Use all avenues that are available to advertise the house. Work with the Real Estate Agent for the best placement. Those selling their own house might try placing a sign in the front yard, distributing flyers around the neighborhood, or advertising on the Internet. And don't forget to spread the word to friends and family about the open house. Although they might not be in the market for a new home they probably know a few people who would like to attend the open house.

Schedules - Scheduling the open house is important. Schedule the open house during a day when you have plenty of free time and most people are off from work. Many home sellers are overwhelmed by the interest in the open house and don't like the idea of a huge crowd all over the house. If this prospect seems bothersome then schedule appointments. This should give the home seller time to talk to interested buyers on an individual basis and convince them to purchase the home.

Buyers - Open houses attract a mixed crowd. Some are seriously interested in buying a new home while others are there simply out of curiosity. In fact, some people make it a hobby just to attend open houses in the community. Don't be surprised to find that several Realtors are attending the open house. They commonly attend the open house looking for new clients to represent in selling or buying.

Atmosphere - Make the home warm and inviting. Check the outside of the home and make sure it is spotless and clutter free. Give the inside of the home another complete cleaning. Get rid of any remaining clutter. Lock up all valuable items. Lock up pets and send the children to a relatives house. Freshen the air with potpourri or inviting scents. Open all the curtains and pull up all the shades so the light in the house is bright. Turn on all the lights in the rooms. Serve visitors coffee and donuts. Make sure there are plenty of brochures and handouts describing the home to distribute to those attending the open house.

Greetings - Ask a relative or friend to greet visitors with you. You don't want to hold the function alone. This is good idea if one prospective buyer takes up too much of your time.Greet visitors at the door with a smile on your face and shake their hand. Thank them for attending the open house. Encourage people to explore the house and ask you questions. And be fully prepared to answer the questions with confidence. Ask them to leave their name in a guest book along with how they found out about the sale. This lets you know which advertisement method works best.