So, you have a home that you want to sell and you’re thinking of opening the front door so that potential buyers can see the space for themselves. Open houses are one of many tried and proven ways to sell a home, and for good reason. When done right, an open house can push reluctant buyers to make a purchase decision on a property they’re attracted to.
Of course, that means you need to make your home sparkle and shine. Here are 5 quick and easy ways to successfully accomplish such a feat…
1. Clean Up
It’s not actually a secret, but you’d be surprised at just how often homeowners fail to pay attention to the small things when it comes to cleaning prior to a showing. Mop the floors, dust the shelves, change the sheets, organize the closets (buyers and buyer’s agents will open the closets)—you already know how important all these things are.
But one area that many property owners ignore is how the home smells. That’s because we naturally get accustomed to the smell of an enclosed space the longer we stay there, preventing you from noticing pungent odors and quirky scents.
A good trick is to have someone not living in the house come in and tell you if your home smells good. If something smells off but you can’t find it, it may have something to do with moisture from leaky plumbing or HVAC system.
2. Offer Food
Offering food is hospitality 101. Set up a small refreshment bar by the door to welcome your guests and offer drinks and finger food like cheese, crackers, or small sandwiches for them to enjoy.
You don’t have to get fancy and complicated here. Little appetizers that they can place in a small saucer will do. Food always helps people feel at home and welcomed, and it’ll make your open house even more memorable.
3. Depersonalize the House
Showing family photos, memorabilia, and other things that have a deep meaning to you makes a home look and feel personal, but it can also throw potential buyers off.
While it’s important that your home have some kind of personality or character, you want to help buyers imagine themselves living in it. People from all walks of life, as well as different religious and cultural backgrounds, will be visiting your open house. The last thing you want to do is to make them feel like the space doesn’t belong to them.
4. Use Social Media to Your Advantage
Harness the power of the web. Go online and advertise your open house on Facebook, Instagram, and on real estate forums.
There are tons of Facebook groups geared towards real estate listings, where you can upload 4 to 6 photos of the house, complete with important information like its location, availability for rent, and ideal time for visits.
You can also create a Facebook event about your open house. You can generate interest by offering freebies, entertainment, and refreshments.
5. Prepare Handouts
Handouts make life easier for buyers, helping them remember relevant details about your home. Be sure to include the following.
- Mortgage Breakdown – This will help buyers understand all of the property’s costs.
- Ownership/Mortgage Terms – Shows all the important terms and phrases helpful for first-time buyers.
- Neighborhood Information – Offer a guide to local schools, hospitals, parks, shopping centers, and grocery stores around your house.
If these tips still don’t help you sell your home, consider selling it as is to Blue Hen Homebuyers instead. We buy properties no matter their condition. Contact our offices today at 910-802-2222 to learn more about how our services can help you.