Make Your Open House a Success

One of the most popular marketing techniques used today is the open house. An open house is a great opportunity not only to kick off marketing your home, but to allow neighbors to get a look at what's selling in their area, if only for decor ideas. While this may sound a little nosy, it increases word of mouth that your home is now available for sale. You never know who's brother, cousin or friend is looking for a home in a nice neighborhood.

Marketing a home is a complex and time consuming affair and this is by no means a catch all. You can never replace the first hand experience and personal touch a REALTOR can add to the transaction. That being said here are some tips on how to make your next open house a successful one.

• Repair: Before letting the public view your home en mass you should ideally complete any small or cosmetic repairs such as paint touch ups or fence mending beforehand. Not only will this make a great first impression during an open house, but it'll help during regular showings as well.
  
  
• Curb appeal: Depending on the season consider having potted plants and flowers outside your home and keep a tidy lawn free of debris. If you're displaying the house in the winter, make sure to have your driveway, sidewalk and doorway plowed, shoveled and salted. The last thing anyone wants are slip, trips and falls.
  
  
• Impersonal, yet warm: If you're holding an open house while you're still living in the home consider removing some family pictures from the walls. It'll make it easier for potential buyers to visualize it as their own home as well as increase the perceived size of the room. If your taste in art is particularly unique it also may be a good idea to remove your art collection as well.
  
  Also try having a bouquet of flowers in the foyer or dining room, if practical. If weather permits light your fireplace. It'll make your home look lived in, but not too alien
  
  
• Light & Bright: No one wants to live in a cave. If you're holding an open house on a sunny day, keep your curtains open and let the light in. On darker and overcast days consider flipping all the lights on. If your home is still dark, try increasing the wattage of bulbs you're using in your light fixtures (if practical and safe).
  
  
• Cleanliness: Your home should sparkle while on the market and especially during an open house. Keep dishes cleaned and put away, floors vacuumed, windows washed and home offices free of loose papers and cords. First impressions are everything.
  
  
• Noise: It's surprising what noises people can get used to. You might be able to block out background noise in your neighborhood without even thinking about it. But guests viewing your home for the first time will likely pick up on every little detail. It's not hard to imagine an open house spoiled by moderate road traffic, a noisy lawn mower or an especially loud furnace.
  
  You can overcome these obstacles by scheduling your open house at a time when ambient neighborhood noise will be relatively low. You can also have a radio with soft, non lyrical music playing in the background.
  
  
• Smell: Whether we like it or not some spots in every home smell a little. Your basement might smell a little musty. Or your son might be infamous for leaving gym socks under the bed. It's important not to overlook the influence smell will have over potential buyers. In higher moisture areas like basements, breezeways and three season porches consider using a dehumidifier or using a product like Damp Rid. You can also try plug-in air fresheners and potpourri. If all else fails there's nothing wrong with baking a fresh batch of cookies for your guests to enjoy!
  
  
• Clutter: Place any unnecessary pieces of furniture into storage and store any small kitchen electrics in cabinets and cupboards to increase perceived floor and counter space.
  
  
• Treats: It won't affect the value of your home, but providing treats will help make your open house a memorable one, which may be enough for you to stay in the minds of potential buyers. Individually wrapped candies, sugar cookies and other tasty treats are all great ideas.
  

Selling a home can be a stressful and confusing experience if done with haste or without the right real estate professional. But the easiest way to get the word out is to hold an open house. With these tips you're sure to make your next one a smashing success.