What do you want from an open house? Obviously, you want to attract a lot of potential buyers — and have at least a few of them become seriously interested in your property.
So how do you make your open house as successful as possible?
You probably already know the basics: make sure your house is clean, bright and uncluttered.
However, there are some other open house success tips you may not know…
Get minor repairs done. A dripping faucet, a squeaky fence door, or a scuff on the wall may seem minor to you, but these problems can stand out like a sore thumb to a potential buyer.
Brighten things up. Make sure all areas of your home are well lit. Natural light has the most appealing effect. Open all the curtains.
Put away personal items. Trophies, pictures, mementos — all remind potential home buyers that they’re strangers in someone else’s home. Make each room look as impersonal yet inviting as possible. Stage your rooms as though they were in an attractive furniture store display.
Sniff around. There are probably smells around your home that you’ve become used to, or even like, such as lingering perfume scents in the bathroom or remnant odours from cooking an exotic meal. Try to make your home as scent-free as possible.
Take your pet for a long walk. Don’t leave them in the house during the event, no matter how friendly and well-behaved they may be. Some people just don’t like pets. Others may be allergic to them.
Make sure everything works. Check for burnt out light bulbs, run-on toilets, and derailed closet doors.
A final tip: Unless it’s absolutely necessary, don’t be at the open house yourself. Your presence can be intimidating to potential home buyers, no matter how cordial and helpful you try to be.