Preparing for an Effective Open House

When the time comes to sell a home, an open house can be a valuable tool for attracting potential buyers and increasing the likelihood of making a sale. Currently, there is an influx of buyers entering the housing market and high levels of inventory, interest rates near historic lows and an $8,000 federal tax credit incentive for first-time buyers. Now more than ever, real estate agents suggest using more creativity with open houses. This not only maximizes a home’s visibility, but also gives it the competitive edge it needs to stand out.

Below are six creative tips from the agents of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty for making the most of an open house and what sellers can do to help:

Collaborate with the community.
Everyone appreciates the convenience of one-stop shopping. Before your agent schedules an open house, he or she may suggest checking with neighbors for other activities that might be going on in the area such as garage sales, car washes, or town fairs. Planning open houses on the same day as other community happenings can be a great way to increase traffic to all events while showing off the personality of the neighborhood.

Offer a personal perspective.
Agents commonly advise sellers to make themselves scarce during an open house. This is not to say that they do not enjoy the seller’s company but rather to ensure the sales associate can market the home objectively and potential buyers feel comfortable to scrutinize the property. However, agents will often suggest sellers share with them their positive experiences living in the home and community. While the agent is an expert on the local marketplace, sellers who can share their personal insight and knowledge from residing in the home and town, might just arm the agent with the piece of information a buyer has been waiting to hear.

Recruit your neighbors for help.
Word of mouth is a powerful tool in the home buying and selling process. Therefore, your agent is likely to distribute marketing materials around town providing details of the upcoming open house. Ask your agent if he or she can provide you with extra copies so that you can share information with your neighbors. They may have a friend or relative in search of a new home or know somebody who is.

Remember to depersonalize.
Homebuyers are looking for a home they can picture their family living in, not the previous owner’s so do not be insulted if an agent suggests taking down family portraits, personal collections and knickknacks. It is not that they dislike the seller’s personal style; removing these items will eliminate clutter and ensure that open house guests are looking at the house for sale, not at the photos from the last family vacation.

Give a friend a tour.
Prior to opening the doors to potential buyers, agents often recommend that sellers invite a “constructively critical” friend or relative to visit the home and offer an honest opinion about each room. This will be a good indication of whether or not the home is in good shape for selling or if it needs some minor adjustments.

Keep the home’s location in mind.
If the home for sale is in a place where potential buyers might have a tough time locating, an agent might propose a virtual open house. Speak with a local Coldwell Banker agent about how you can work together to post a video about the home, neighborhood and town on Coldwell Banker On Location, an innovative branded YouTube® channel designed to offer consumers a new way to search for and interact with real estate information and listings.

For more information, please visit www.seacoastrealty.com or find us on Facebook.