The key to a successful open house is to make a great first impression. This article aims to help you with making that impression.
Do you have a house for sale in Huntsville, Alabama? Do you want to host an open house to attract more buyers? Then, you are on the right track. Open houses are good for generating interest from potential buyers. Despite the coronavirus outbreak, open houses continue to be a good way to show a home, take a tour, and meet with a real estate agent.
Preparation and time are required when hosting an open house. If you want to sell your house fast in Huntsville Alabama contact Momentum Property Solutions. They will buy your house without you having to worry about listings or showings. Meanwhile, here is a brief guide to making sure your home gets the best possible showings..
What is an Open House?
An open house is an opportunity for potential clients to see or view available properties. These viewings are intended primarily to rent, sell, or purchase properties.
Why Have an Open House?
An open house is held to generate more interest in a property. Open houses can speed up the process of selling a house and increase the amount of money in the pocket of the seller. It can help prospective buyers or tenants better understand what they are getting for their money.
Getting Your Home Open House Ready
A buyer expects a lot from an open house. You should therefore start preparing for your open house a month in advance as part of your overall marketing strategy. Sunday afternoon is when most buyers can stop by and view the home. Plan on holding an open house for a couple of hours on that day. Here are some tips on how to prepare for an event like this.
Pack, Sort, and Clear Out
Buyers need to be able to envision themselves and their things in your home. Make this task easier for them by simplifying the space. To store extra pieces and knick-knacks, rent a storage unit or portable pod, or ask a friend to share their garage. To make your home appear and feel more spacious, experts recommend removing half of your belongings.
Get Rid of Excess Furniture
Furniture that looks out of place or is oversized can make a room feel cramped and small. Remove excess furniture to open up your home.
Organize Your Space and Depersonalize
Buyers should focus on the strengths of the house and not on the stack of mail on the kitchen counter. Remove personal items such as diploma frames, children’s artwork, and family photographs. Replace distinctive art pieces with mirrors. Put away heirlooms, valuables, important documents, and anything that’s not on sale with the house.
Organize Closets and Cupboards
New home buyers cite adequate storage as a necessity for their new home. There may be plenty of closets, storage areas, and pantry space in your home, but if every nook and cranny is stuffed to the brim, it will appear that there is not enough space.
Remove Your Pets
Pets are often considered a liability, and any trace of them will make your buyer think of all the places your pet has pooped, puked, or scratched. Make sure you thoroughly clean your home to eliminate any signs of pet presence.
Look and Smell Great
Make sure everything looks and smells great after you get rid of clutter. If you want a professional to walk through your home and suggest DIY changes, you can hire a stager. Alternatively, you can hire a full-service staging company to restyle your home from top to bottom. Things to consider include:
Hire a cleaning service
If you’re too busy with other tasks, hire a cleaning service to come in and do a one-time deep cleaning of the house, from baseboards to backsplashes and closets to cobwebs. Clean your carpet professionally to breathe new life into it and to make your home smell fresh and new.
Wash the windows
Natural light is a huge selling point, and you’ll be surprised at how much more you can let in just by cleaning your windows. Be sure your blinds and drapes are clean and working properly. Crack a window on the day of the open house to let in some nice fresh air.
Clean up the front entrance
First impressions are formed by the walkway up to your property and the front entrance. Paint the front door, hang a wreath, and add a welcome mat to make it look inviting. Power wash the exterior and remove any dirt or grime.
Be careful with scents
You don’t need to rely heavily on air fresheners and candles in a clean home. Strong smells can be a turn-off to some buyers, and they might think you’re trying to mask something smelly.
Do repairs
A house is a huge investment, so you can be sure that potential buyers will scrutinize your home. Making a few repairs is always worthwhile, especially if there are any real eyesores.
Address cosmetic issues and paint
By adding a fresh layer of caulking to the bathroom, filling in holes in the walls, and replacing light bulbs, you can help potential buyers focus on your home’s positive features. An easy way to tidy up and beautify your listing is by painting the entire house in a neutral color.
Look at outdoor spaces and focus on curb appeal
Your home’s exterior should look welcoming and well-kept to make a good first impression. Mow the lawn, prune any overgrown landscaping, and trim any tree branches. Repair torn window screens and loose gutters. Put some potted plants or shrubs in your flowerbed and sweep your sidewalks and driveway. Also, replace old patio lights.
Lastly
Most sellers do not stay around during an open house so that buyers can imagine the place as their own. Let your agent tell you how it went. Agents have been through this many times and understand your stress.
We hope you now have a better understanding of what it takes to host an open house. Remember, a low turnout is the last thing you want. So make sure to promote your event.
