Why Sellers Want an Open House!
February 11th, 2008 categories: Cincinnati, Ohio, Fairfield, Ohio, Mason, Ohio, Real Estate Selling, West Chester, Ohio
According to NAR (National Association of Realtors) 48% of all home buyers go to open houses!
So if your home is currently listed by a Realtor and/or are a FSBO (For Sale by Owner), you need one great open house every 3-5 weeks.
Many sellers fall into one of two categories for open houses, they either want it open every week or no open houses at all. Remember a balanced approach to open houses is needed in order to maintain buyer interest. It is true statistically that very few properties sell during an open house, however there are intangible benefits that cannot be measured or tracked.
Think back about the time you purchased your current home. Did you rely solely on a realtor to find a property- or did you cruise neighborhoods and the internet looking on your own? Perhaps you weren’t even thinking about moving and happened to drive by an open house and decided to stop and take a peak. The “moving juices” were activated and, as a result of an impulse stop at an open house, you ended up moving.
How well your house presents itself is entirely up to you!
Hopefully your realtor has give you some feedback or you have watched enough “fix up” shows on tv -if not, here are some tips:
- Clean up everything and everywhere. Drag out your digital camera and take pictures of shelves in closets, or bookcases in family room. If pictures look crowded and messy to you…..you get the picture.
- Touch up paint or repaint anywhere with nicks, smudges or gouges.
- No sticky surfaces anywhere in the kitchen.
- Vacuum and mop.
- Clean windows inside and out.
- Get rid of extra furniture and stuff- you probably aren’t planning on moving with 8 extra rooms of furniture stored for various family members- so donate it now.
- Clean out the garage.
- Air out your house- especially in colder weather.
- Recheck the front walk, front porch, front door and garage door for dirt.
Now it is time for the Open House- do not light heavily scented candles, or scented oils- strong scents turn many buyers off. Leave lamps or lights on. Open drapes/blinds/shades and let the light shine in.
Since it is still winter and you have a beautiful rose garden- don’t be afraid to leave a few pictures out on the table.
Just prior to the open house- take your pets, kids and leave! Anxious sellers tend to crowd interested buyers. Your agent will provide feedback from the day’s visitors.
Great events don’t happen- they need planning and attention to detail.
Take some time to ensure your property is picture perfect for all showings and especially for the open house. If you need some help getting ready or have any questions call or send an email.
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