We thought it might be helpful to review some general open house information. We hope this will give you an idea of how to prepare and what to expect.
- The purpose of the OPEN HOUSE is to let potential buyers (and neighbors who might know potential buyers) view the home in a concentrated, advertised time period. Usually, we will hold an open house just about every Sunday until the property is sold, depending on your preference and everybody’s schedule.
- We hold a BROKER’S OPEN HOUSE (Caravan) to familiarize other agents with your property so they can better qualify their current or future buyers and reduce needless showings of your home. Nowadays, buyers also often visit our Broker’s Open House. The convenience it provides is that your home is previewed on a specific day within a certain period of time. Sometimes it is helpful to have a second Broker’s Open House to reacquaint the real estate community to your home 3 to 4 weeks later. Perhaps an agent who missed viewing your home the first time will have the perfect buyer at that point.
- We always recommend putting valuables, such as cash, jewelry, medications, any electronics, etc., out of sight and in a safe, secure place while your home is on the market, especially during an Open House.
- Preparing, promoting, and conducting an Open House are important aspects in selling your home. You, as well as any pets, should NOT BE PRESENT during an Open House, allowing buyers to preview the property comfortably, picturing themselves right at home.
- If there are any unfinished repairs or cosmetic improvements that need to be done, ideally they should be taken care of before the Open House.
- We will usually place our directional signs out earlier in the day, so you may have people driving by or, rarely, even knocking on your door before the open house hours. Goes without saying but please don’t let anyone in the property before the open house. To minimize pushy door-knockers, we will post the open house hours in front of your property on the day of the open house.
- We’ll arrive approximately 10 minutes before an open house to turn on the lights, open curtains, set up the property, etc.
- Our preference will always be for us to host your open house but if we are unable to, we will have one of our team of professional, knowledgeable associates host your open house. Either way, your home will always be well-represented at open houses. If you would like to meet any of our colleagues who may be hosting your open house, just let us know.
- Make sure we have your contact number to reach you during the Open House, if necessary. Also, please let us know any security alarm codes, as well as the operation of systems such as air conditioning, heating, sprinklers, and fireplace.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call. Here’s to a prosperous Open House!