What to Know, How to Prepare, and What to Expect
As we gear up to showcase your home, we thought it would be helpful to share a few open house insights. These tips will help you feel confident and prepared—whether it’s your first time selling or you’re a seasoned pro.
What’s the Purpose of an Open House?
An Open House gives potential buyers—and even curious neighbors who might know buyers—the opportunity to view your home during a concentrated, well-promoted time window.
We typically hold Open Houses just about every Sunday until the home is sold, depending on your preferences and availability.
What’s a Broker’s Open House (Caravan)?
Typically scheduled when your home first hits the market, a Broker’s Open—also known as “Caravan”—is a midweek showing designed to introduce your property to the real estate community. It gives agents a firsthand look so they can better match it with their active or upcoming buyers, and helps streamline early interest by encouraging agents to preview the home during this dedicated window—while still welcoming all serious private showings that follow.
While originally intended just for agents, these events have evolved—many serious buyers now attend as well, taking advantage of the convenient weekday preview. Occasionally, we may schedule a second Broker’s Open 3–4 weeks in to re-engage the agent community—particularly helpful if someone missed the first round and now has the right buyer in hand.
Preparing for Success
- Valuables: Please place any valuables (cash, jewelry, medications, electronics, etc.) in a secure, out-of-sight location for the duration of the open house and while the home is on the market.
- Repairs: If there are any pending repairs or cosmetic touch-ups, it’s ideal to address them beforehand so your home shows in its best light.
- Presence: For the comfort of buyers—and to allow them to imagine themselves in the home—we recommend that both you and any pets are away during the Open House.
Day-of Details
- Signage: We’ll place directional signs earlier in the day to drive traffic. This may lead to occasional early visitors or door-knockers. Please do not allow anyone in before the official start time. We’ll also post the Open House hours on a sign outside to help minimize interruptions.
- Set-Up: Our team will arrive about 10 minutes before the Open House to open curtains, turn on lights, and get everything ready.
- Hosting: Our first choice is always to host your Open House ourselves. If scheduling requires, we’ll have one of our trusted, professional associates—fully briefed and experienced—host in our place. If you’d like to meet them beforehand, just let us know.
A Few Final Reminders
Please be sure we have your best contact number in case we need to reach you during the Open House. If applicable, also share any alarm codes and quick notes on how to operate key systems like the thermostat, sprinklers, and fireplace.
As always, we’re here for any questions that come up along the way.
Here’s to a smooth, successful Open House!