| Open houses are the traditional method for | | | | everywhere at all times. Expensive jewelry, money, |
| generating buzz for a property. While most sellers | | | | and small high-tech devices like mp3 players can easily |
| see this as a valuable way to market their homes, | | | | be slipped into a thief's pocket, so be sure to keep |
| some view open houses as a waste of time. | | | | them out of sight. |
| Neighbors and curious passersby flock to your home | | | | Take your family, and leave for the duration of the |
| and stroll around, eyeing up your private living space. | | | | open house. While you may feel that you are the |
| Many of these people have no intentions of buying | | | | most equipped to answer questions and to promote |
| your house. This can be dangerous, as some | | | | your home, your presence will make visitors feel like |
| lookie-loos are actually thieves, wanting to case out | | | | they are trespassing. You will also inhibit your agent, |
| your home. | | | | who has years of experience, and selling skills. Trust |
| Some agents prefer to hold private open houses, | | | | your agent to do his or her job, and have a pleasant |
| where other agents in the area tour the home, | | | | afternoon out with the family. |
| keeping their clients in mind. This is beneficial for both | | | | On that same note, be sure to bring your pets when |
| the buyer and the seller. The buyer gets inside | | | | you leave. Barking dogs will distract potential buyers. |
| information about a property from their agent as | | | | Also, make sure that any kitty litter pans are |
| soon it is placed on the market. The seller has the | | | | emptied, pet hair is picked up off furniture, and that |
| advantage of not having to worry about opening | | | | the house smells fresh and clean. You don't want |
| their doors to just anyone off the street. | | | | odors to make a bad first impression. |
| So why bother with a public open house? Word of | | | | As a potential buyer, when you attend an open |
| mouth is a very powerful marketing tool, especially in | | | | house, be sure to respect the fact that you are |
| the world of real estate. Curious neighbors may not | | | | entering someone else's home. Take off your shoes, |
| be in the market for a new home for themselves, | | | | refrain from smoking, and don't touch personal |
| but they can (and often do) recommend your | | | | belongings. If you bring your children with you, be |
| property to friends of theirs who are looking to | | | | sure to keep a close eye on them, and do not let |
| move into the area. This kind of matchmaking costs | | | | them wander the house unsupervised. It's unsafe for |
| nothing, and can bring in a solid offer on your house. | | | | them, and inconsiderate to the homeowner. |
| A well-attended open house can garner more offers, | | | | If you are a curious neighbor, don't be afraid to tell |
| and possibly higher offers from buyers. The more | | | | the agent on hand. It is perfectly acceptable that you |
| people that view your home during an open house, | | | | are looking at the house because as mentioned |
| the more it can create a atmosphere of competition. | | | | earlier, many sales come from word of mouth. Also, |
| It looks like your home is a hot property and that | | | | by telling the agent the truth, you won't waste their |
| interested persons would do well to make their | | | | time and keep them from truly interested buyers. |
| offers quickly. | | | | Sign the register when you enter. By signing this |
| When you do decide to hold an open house, there | | | | paper, you are simply helping the agent keep track |
| are certain things you should do to make sure that it | | | | of how many attendants there were, along with their |
| goes smoothly, and that your home is presented in | | | | names. This information helps the seller in case of |
| the best possible light. | | | | theft. |
| Clean, clean, and clean some more! Remove any | | | | Open houses have long been a staple in the real |
| clutter, and be sure to give bathrooms, countertops, | | | | estate industry. While they have fallen out of favor |
| and floors a decent scrub. Nothing will turn off buyers | | | | somewhat in recent years, open houses can still be a |
| faster than a dirty home. They can't envision | | | | gold mine for creating potential leads. Give your home |
| themselves living there if your mess is everywhere. | | | | some exposure and create some buzz about your |
| Lock up all your small valuables. While a good agent | | | | property. Good word of mouth can lead to your |
| will escort visitors around the home, they can't be | | | | house being sold quickly, and for the price you want. |