Much has been written about both the benefits and drawbacks of open houses, but there is a lot to be said for showing your home in this way. Here are just five reasons that an open house might result in a sale:
It gets eyes on your home. Open houses bring in potential buyers who would otherwise be too casual, lazy, or unmotivated to book a showing. And they draw in visitors in more ways than a simple listing will. Your friends and family can mention the event to anyone they know who might be interested in taking a look at your home. Neighbors who drop by might just be angling to have someone they know move into your neighborhood. Add in advertising and signage, and you’re going to catch the eye of both casual and serious prospective buyers.
You can set the scene – your way. When prospective homebuyers stop by your home for a traditional showing, they often do it with little notice, which is why it can be stressful keeping your home “show ready” for the entire duration that it is on the market. It can be very consuming to keep wastebaskets emptied and floors free of clutter, ensure that the laundry doesn’t pile up, and make certain that floors are routinely swept and vacuumed. With an open house, you’ll be able to prepare for an event that has the potential to bring in many prospective buyers with one fell swoop. It’s much easier to do some deep cleaning that will leave your home spotless if you know exactly when people will be visiting. And you’re also able to sweeten the deal by baking cookies and setting them out or filling vases with fresh flowers and cuttings.
You could lock in that interested buyer. There’s likely a limit to the number of times even the most interested buyer is willing to ask for a private showing. If your house has already caught the eye of a potential buyer, he or she might be more willing to come back for a second look in a less formal setting. An open house gives that buyer the opportunity to bring friends or family along for their opinions. And as a bonus, walking through an open house provides a visitor with plenty of time to look around without feeling rushed – during the hours that you choose
Buyers can compare and contrast. Any given weekend usually sees several open houses in a particular location. Buyers interested in purchasing a home in your area will be able to “comparison shop” by attending several open houses – giving you the opportunity to make your home stand out from the crowd.
You choose the timing. Some weekends see a lot of open houses, while some see very few. This year, Sunday, April 21st is Nationwide Open House. Make sure that your listing is one of them! If you are looking for a lot of bang for your buck, holding an open house has the potential to put your home on the real estate map. By working strategically with your real estate agent to schedule and organize a successful open house, you may just get a jump start on that sale.
Quick Cleaning Tips Before Any Showings:
THE EXTERIOR
- Mow the lawn, trim the trees and shrubs away from the house
- Store tools and other equipment neatly in the garage
- Wash windows, inside and out
- Sweep all sidewalks and driveways
- Clean up the front and back yards with new sod, plants, flowers and mulch if needed
THE KITCHEN
- Clear extra gadgets from all kitchen counter tops
- Remove all messages, pictures and magnets from the refrigerator
- Clear away any papers, mail or newspaper that may have accumulated on counter tops
- Clear sink, stove and counter tops of all dishes, pots and pans
- Wipe down cabinets and polish sinks
- Clean all appliances, inside & out
- Wash kitchen floors
- Patch and paint walls and ceilings if necessary
THE BATHROOMS
- Remove any unnecessary items from the countertops
- Organize linen closets, medicine cabinets, etc.
- Clean sinks, toilets, bathtubs and showers
- Repair any faucet, sink and/or toilet leaks
- Patch and paint walls and ceilings, if necessary
THE LIVING AREAS
- Remove piles of papers and magazines from tables
- Clean floors
- Wipe down lighting fixtures and polish furniture
- Patch paint walls and ceilings if necessary
HERE COMES A BUYER...
Before each showing, be sure to complete these last minute touches to make your home stand out and look great!
- Pick up after pets
- Pick up lawn tools, toys etc
- Clear driveways and walk areas
- Open curtains, let the sunshine in
- Open windows to “freshen up”
- Do a last quick tidy up