he Sunday open house is a the upcoming open house to the
longstanding ritual in the members. For instance, the local
real estate market, and garden club may be very
many a home has been sold on a interested in attending an open
lazy Sunday afternoon. When used house that includes a beautiful
properly, the Sunday open house outdoor garden.
can be a great marketing tool.
* The day before the open house,
The following steps will help you be certain to go through the
get the most out of your open entire home with the real estate
house and increase your chances agent. Take careful notes and
of selling your home for the follow all of his or her
price you want. recommendations.
* Be sure to meet with your agent * Try not to become emotionally
in advance of the open house. involved when evaluating the
Discuss all the various details condition of your home prior to
about what is involved in an open the open house. Remember that
house. While many home sellers your real estate agent is trying
are comfortable with an open to make your home more appealing
house, others are not. If you to potential buyers, not
choose not to host an open house, criticizing your decorating style
there are other ways to sell your or choice of accessories.
home.
* Any needed home repairs should
* Be sure to consider unusual be completed before the open
ways to market your open house. house begins. This includes
For instance, if you belong to things like peeling paint, loose
any special groups or stairs, banisters in need of
organizations, be sure to market repair and the like. It is
important that guests see a home * Pets should be kept away from
that is in immaculate condition. open house visitors. It may be a
good idea to have a friend or
* Ask the real estate agent to family member takes care of your
create a professional looking pets until the open house is
sign in sheet for all visitors. over.
It is important to get the name
and phone number of all attendees * Don't take any chances when it
to the open house. comes to medicines and money. Be
sure to lock up all medications,
* Always discuss the price of the both prescription and
home prior to the open house. non-prescription. Also be sure to
This will allow the agent to lock up any cash or valuables in
negotiate the price on the spot the home prior to the open house.
if a good prospect attends the
open house.
* Never underestimate the
* The owner of the property importance of making a good first
should keep as low a profile as impression. Many visitors make a
possible during the open house. decision about the home in the
If using an agent, it is first few seconds. Be sure the
important to let him or her take entranceway to the home is
care of the open house. immaculate, and that the steps
leading up to the home are well
* It is a good idea to provide swept and free of debris.
cookies, brownies or other snacks
for guests at the open house. A * Make sure that the home is
punch bowl is also an attractive spotless and free of unpleasant
addition. odors prior to the open house.
You may want to bake a fresh
batch of cookies an hour or two prior to the open house. This
before the open house begins. Not will allow fresh air and sunshine
only will the aroma mask any in and help give the impression
unpleasant smells, but it will of a larger space.
create a warm and inviting
ambiance as well. * If your home does not have
plants, you may want to buy a few
* Be sure the temperature in the before the open house. Plants can
home is pleasant. A home that is provide a warm feel and help make
too hot or too cold can make guests at the open house feel
visitors uncomfortable, and lead more at home.
them to wonder about the quality
of the heating and air If you follow the steps outlined
conditioning system. above, chances are your open
house will be a big success. Even
* Play soft music in the if the home is not sold at the
background during the open house. open house the contacts gained
Background music helps set a good and the word of mouth exposure
mood for your visitors. Always may well result in a sale.
open the curtains and the drapes
About the Author:
Andrew is the web owner "Buy and Sell House Fast", a website that provides informational guide on home selling and buying, mortgage loan, foreclosure, real estate investment and more. You can visit his website at: http://www.buy-and-sell-house-fast.com/
Source: www.isnare.com
