Written by Tracy Block
Planning Your Open House
Hosting an open house is a great way to literally open your house to potential buyers, so they can tour the property and its features. To get started, first select the date on which you’d like to show your home. “The best way to advertise an open house is through MLS,” says California realtor AJ Olson Whitfield of Villa Real Estate, who has been in the business for 10 years and has built three homes of her own. “This will syndicate it to all of the major search websites. Outside of that, don’t underestimate the power of print. There is still a large contingency of people who rely on the paper, so be sure to know who your target market is.” Lastly, Olson Whitfield recommends advertising the event on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
As you prep for the open house, Olson Whitfield encourages you to take the time to run through a checklist to ensure your home is in top condition. Her tips include:
• Deep cleaning: This is the most important step to take. People visiting your home have the ability to see things that you may otherwise overlook. Additionally, a clean home sends the signal that you take pride in your ownership and that you maintain your home.
• Decluttering: You do not need to throw everything away, but you can rent a short-term storage space for this purpose. For the sake of your open house, you are going to want to remove at least a quarter of your belongings.
• Organizing the garage: Give some special attention to this space by showing buyers that the house has available storage and an actual garage that can be utilized how they see fit. Allow your garage to shine as an extension of your home.
• Displaying fresh plants: Add some joy with fresh plants and flowers. However, potted plants last longer, and can make it through multiple weeks of showings and open houses.
• Buying new towels: Buy and showcase fresh new towels in all of your bathrooms, and then store them until the next showing. This is a small detail that makes a big difference.
When it comes to entertaining during your open house, as tempted as you may be to set out bites or freshly baked cookies, consider the current climate. “I strongly advocate no food of any kind,” says Olson Whitfield. Instead, she suggests setting up a water station with glass bottles that look nice, and keep the home safe from other food and beverage accidents.
In terms of last touches, “I always check all the bathrooms and put all the toilet seats down!” Olson Whitfield exclaims. “This is a must.” On a final pass, make sure to check nightstands for small items, like phone chargers, and wipe down kitchen counters to ensure there is no sticky residue left from the day.
Curb Appeal & In-Home Accents
If you live in a competitive market where many homes are for sale, consider upping your curb appeal. For example, sprucing up your front yard will allow your house to stand out from the outside. If not, you may chance your home being passed over in a “hot market.” Additionally, Olson Whitfield encourages you to invest in a professional photoshoot of your home to accompany your listing.
As for in-house photos and family heirlooms, Olson Whitfield says there’s a fine line between sterile and too much. “You want the buyer to come in and see themselves as the owners of the home – not to be distracted by the current owners,” she offers. “I recommend keeping a few photos out to give the home life, but that’s it.”
Should You Attend the Open House?
Your home is your home, and it’s only natural that you may have trouble relinquishing control when it comes to showing your most prized possession. However, Olson Whitfield says your attendance may have a negative impact on the sale of your home. “Please do not attend the open house,” she urges. “The goal is for the buyer to feel welcome and at home.” To illustrate, if the owner is present, buyers may feel awkward asking questions or expressing concerns, which can ultimately be counterproductive to your mission – to seamlessly sell your home to the highest bidder.
