Hosting an open house is a good way to build a sense of excitement and interest in your home. It takes organisation and a little effort but with the right guidance, you can make the most of your open house with our 10 top tips for success.
1. Think about your home’s location
Before diving straight in, think about how suitable your home is for an open house viewing. Homes far off the beaten track may be a struggle to get to. If your home is in a hard-to-reach location and is not very presentable due to renovations, it may not be suitable.
2. Prepare your home well
The principles of a traditional home viewing still apply. A decluttered, clean, and well-presented home with floor spaces that are functional with good furniture arrangements works. Dressing your home by setting the scene is important; however, viewers want to be able to get a feel for your home.
3. Make your guests feel welcome
A little effort really does go a long way. It’s all about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere while making your guests feel like they have the freedom to explore your home. Make sure the heating is on while it’s cold out and your favourite household scent is in the air. You could even bake a few treats before guests arrive to fill the house with an enticing aroma.
4. Timing is key
It’s most likely not a good idea to create your open house event in the evening. Saturday is a good day, as it means most people will not be rushing around after work. Feeling refreshed and not driving through rush hour, the weekend allows viewers to enjoy your home. It also may be more convenient for you, especially if it’s completed by the afternoon.
5. Make it easy for buyers to make an offer
You may find that there is considerable interest in your property, and some viewers may want to make an offer. Having offer forms ready could be one answer. Taking your time to consider offers and knowing your price and what you are prepared to accept is also very important.
6. Attract the right buyers
When you are inviting potential buyers to your home, you don’t want to waste your time on people who are just curious about the interior splendor of your home. A discerning agent will be able to introduce your home to the right buyers.
7. Create a brochure
Creating a brochure as part of your marketing plan or featuring your property in a print publication could be another benefit of using a Fine & Country agent. There are, of course, many ways to market your open house event online too.
8. Set your price
In order to achieve the right asking price, it’s crucial to set the right selling price. Booking a valuation that finds the true potential value of your property is a skill in itself. Having the right strategy in place is worth discussing in detail with your partner and with your agent.
9. Build a sense of anticipation
A great plus of an open house is that you can invite several buyers at one time. This is more convenient for you and builds a sense of anticipation and excitement for you and your potential buyers.
10. Plan the details with your agent
Planning the details of what will be an event is important. Your agent will have the means to market an open house, advise you on how to prepare your home, discuss pricing strategy, and make the event a truly special occasion by contributing their knowledge to every step of the process.
Contact us
Want to find out if an open house could suit your property? Get in touch with your local Fine & Country agent today.