Have you ever heard of the term open house before?
In real estate, an open house is an event where the seller invites potential buyers and real estate agents to take a look through their home. The name is quite literal. The difference between an open house and a showing is that the open house has set hours. For example, many sellers host their open houses on the weekends between 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Hosting open houses are vital for the selling process as it allows prospective buyers to imagine themselves living in that home and build an emotional connection. It shows more of the home’s character compared to viewing pictures through a screen. In this blog post, we will go over why open houses are so important as well as five tips to make the most out of your open house!
Why Are Open Houses So Important?
Exposure
Open houses bring in a lot more visitors than you think. Not only are there people who are actively searching for a new home, it can also bring in tons of foot traffic! Sometimes curiosity can lead many people to attend. The more people come to visit your home, the higher your chances of making a sale is!
Competition
If a prospective buyer is at your open house and they see the amount of people interested in your home, it can create a strong sense of urgency for them to make a move. Subsequently, it can make a faster selling process as well as better and more serious offers.
Emotional Connection
Having in-person visits from potential purchasers can help build an emotional connection to the house. They have the opportunity to view the property in person, which may alleviate any concerns.
5 Tips When Hosting An Open House
1. Preparation is Key!
Make sure your house looks its best for the visitors. This includes cleaning the house so that it is spotless and decluttering anything that is not necessary. You will also want to make sure that the exterior of your home looks its best. If you want to go the extra mile, you can get some professional staging done for the home. Additionally, consider doing some minor repairs to your home beforehand.
2. Inviting Environment
When potential buyers come to visit, ensure that you have a great ambiance for them to step into. You can achieve this through buying fresh flowers, lighting candles and having soft lighting for an appealing atmosphere. If you have extra budget, consider having some finger food for visitors. People tend to stay longer when food is available to them. Additionally, consider baking cookies in the house beforehand to create a homey and sweet ambiance.
3. Resources To Take Home
Provide some different matierals for visitors to take home. Make sure that the resources contain information on your home and present it in the best light. That way visitors can keep your home top of mind. The resources given should highlight the benefits of selecting your home and can includes factors such as proximity to amenities, schools, community centers, etc…
4. Network
During the open house, ensure that you are present and engaging with visitors. Be sure to answer any questions they have regarding the home and be as friendly and approachable as possible!
5. Marketing
Be sure to do some marketing to get as many visitors as possible to your open house! You can do so by posting on social media, creating posters and flyers, as well as doing some local advertising.
If you’re looking to sell your home, an open house is a great way to get your name out there. It’s an effective way to show off your property to potential buyers and get people interested. Follow these five tips and you’ll have a great open house experience and a better chance of making a sale. Don’t forget that it all starts with getting ready, presenting, and getting people involved. Have a great open house!