An open house is an important part of the selling process. It lets people know you're selling your home, it gets people talking about your home and, most importantly, it gets people looking at your home.
An open house will draw potential buyers, neighbours, real estate agents and others who are just there to "browse" your property. If successful, your open house can turn browsers into buyers and help increase the overall demand for your home.
Buyers in the housing market often attend multiple open houses, so distinguishing your home from the rest, shows buyers why they should choose your house over others they've seen.
Marketing Your Open House
No matter how attractive the house or the price, your house won’t sell without a marketing plan. The word has to get out to the buying public somehow. Your Royal LePage Real Estate Agent will draw on their experience and knowledge of the local housing market to develop a detailed marketing plan that will give your property the maximum exposure and attention it deserves.
Your real estate agent’s marketing plan is likely to include some combination of the following:
Getting Ready for your Open House
Eager buyers won't overlook major flaws in your home – they'll either opt to pass or make an offer below what you feel your home is worth. Before you list your home, fix any needed repairs, declutter, and depersonalize your house and make sure to keep it all clean. Remember, first impressions matter.
- Remove your vehicle(s) from the driveway
- Open all the window coverings (curtains and blinds) and turn on every lamp and overhead fixture so there is plenty of light in the house.
- It is highly recommended to never use an air freshener because many people are allergic to synthetic odors. Try and make any smells as neutral as possible and air out the house at least an hour before anyone comes through.
You can also hire professional stagers who will help set up the home for viewing. Looking to hire a Professional Home Stager? Check out the pros on the Preferred Suppliers section, (under Household Services) on the RLB website.
During the Open House
Leave the tours and information on the house to your Royal LePage Real Estate Agent. The point of an open house is to allow potential buyers to picture the house as their new home. Although you know your house better than anyone else, it's best leave the showings in your realtor’s capable hands.
Following an open house, buyers may want to walk through the house again. Showings like this may be booked with short notice, so try to keep the house as clean and viewer ready as possible at all times.
Contact a REALTOR® today to list your home, and read more about preparing for an open house HERE.
Looking for an experienced REALTOR ® that specializes in real estate across Windsor and Essex County? At Royal LePage Binder Real Estate, we are focused on helping you unlock your future.
