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