Do
You Need an Open House?
The
response to this question will vary depending on who you are asking.
Some real estate agents will contend that "open houses don't sell
houses." Others will tell you that given the right conditions,
the "open house" can be an effective marketing tool . The
correct answer depends on your particular situation as a seller. There
are some guidelines you might consider as you try to determine whether
an "open house" can help you in the marketing process.
These include:
|
The
house is in a
desirable area. |
The
house is on or accessible to a main street where more people are
likely to see the Open House signs.
|
The
house has "curb appeal," meaning it will appeal to possible
buyers who are driving by and may feel compelled to drop in for
a second look.
|
The
house is in an area representing different levels of housing values.
|
For
example, a townhouse community often has both renters and buyers. The
renters are likely to be looking for a way to move up and would be inclined
to attend an Open House in a townhouse that is priced to attract first
time buyers.
Of course, a house with any or all of
these characteristics will also draw "lookers" who will tour
the property just to satisfy their curiosity. The seller has to be willing
to put up with this inconvenience if they are going to open their house
to the public. The best advise is to talk with your real estate agent
before planning an Open House to make sure that this type of marketing
will provide the right kind of exposure for your house.
Conducting A Successful Open House:
Like any other marketing event, the proper preparation is required to make the event truly worth your while. The following list of suggestions assumes that you are using a Realtor to assist you in holding the house open. Some adjustments will have to be made if you are selling your house yourself.
Preparation:
Make a list of the things you can do to spruce up the property:
Extra cleaning
Buy or rent plants to place throughout the house
Extra yard work just prior to Open House weekend
Last minute repairs completed
Check to make sure all lights bulbs are working
Arrange for children (and you, if possible) to be away from the house during the event.
Have invitations sent to neighbors, encouraging them to stop by. They might just know someone who is interested in living in their neighborhood!Make property fliers to hand out to guests, preferably including photograph of the house and important details about the property.
Design and place ads in appropriate advertising mediums.
Notify and invite brokers who service the immediate area.
Holding The Open House - expect your agent to do most of this work
Be absent! and make sure broker asks visitors to fill out a sheet asking for feedback.
Appeal to all of the senses of your visitors:
Bake cookies or chicken (yes chicken) YOUR AGENT DONNA DOES THIS FOR YOU..... ASK ABOUT IT!
Use air freshener (Don't saturate the house!)
Open windows if weather is nice
Make sure curtains are open and rooms are brightly lit
Leave soothing music on in a key room or rooms
Offer a little something to eat, such as cookies or crackers and possibly juice.
Make sure there are plenty of quality handouts for your guests. These could include the flyer on the house, information about the area schools and businesses, main streets, churches, and other services and the business card of your agent.
Most of all, be optimistic and make sure that contracts are available to encourage the offer that just might come in! It is recommended to only hold the house open for a couple of hours. Usually Sunday afternoon is the time when most houses are on display, although occasionally, you will see some houses being held open on Saturdays and weeknights.
For a SUCCESSFUL open house call Donna to host your event at 714-350-9449.