Preparing for an open house
Mar 14, 2007
Author: Family Realty, LLC

Preparing for an open house
Exposure is a key component in selling your home. That is why a REALTOR® will use the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) to expose the details of your home to other real estate professionals in the area and market the property to a broad range of potential buyers.
To extend that exposure, your REALTOR® may suggest holding an Open House. Now an open house may attract a lot of “browsers”, but if your home is clean, attractive, a good price and in good condition, it could turn a browser into a buyer.
Usually an open house is held on a weekend afternoon when potential buyers usually have more time to visit different properties and neighborhoods. Your REALTOR® will work with you in determining a schedule. If you have pets, it may be a good idea to have them kenneled or stay at a friend’s house during the event. Pets could be a distraction to your potential buyers.
Additionally, your REALTOR® may ask that you and your family be away from the home while they conduct the open house. When homeowners are not present, buyers feel more comfortable and are more likely to take more time in evaluating the home. These buyers might also be uncomfortable making comments or asking certain questions that your REALTOR® could address if you are in the home.
In preparing your home for the event, your REALTOR® will help you in ensuring your home is safe, secure and that it will be an enjoyable experience for the attendees. You should attend to any potential hazards such as any exposed wiring, slippery steps, fragile items that could easily fall and break.
Be sure to remove and lock away valuables such as jewelry, small electronics and coin collections. Avoid cooking any foods with strong odors in the day or so leading up to the event and be sure all garbage has been removed from the house and property.
In case of bad weather, be sure to make a place for umbrellas, overshoes, and coats. Then make sure your home is very clean. Be sure to organize your kitchen and remove as much as possible from the countertops. Walk through the house and check doors, cabinet doors, windows for any squeaks and repair.
On the outside, make sure your home is clean and tidy. Trim hedges and walkways, mow the lawn and make sure any gates are working properly. Freshly cleaned driveways and patios can really make a difference.