Holding an open house is one of the most important steps in selling your home. It’s your chance to make a great first impression on potential buyers and show off everything your property has to offer.
Whether you’re selling a home in San Francisco, California or Austin, Texas, these tips to show your home will highlight the best features of your home and help you increase your chances of getting that offer.
What is an open house?
Open Houses are scheduled for use when homes for sale are available for tours for anyone to tour. The listing agent or seller opens the door to a future buyer, neighbor, or passerby interested in seeing the property up close. It gives people the opportunity to explore without the need for private appointments.
>>Read: What is an Open House?
1. Clean the corners deeply
Buyers will notice small details. Deep clean shows that you are caring for your home and give you a fresh and welcoming atmosphere. Scrub the floor, wipe off the baseboard, clean the windows, and polish the surfaces. Don’t forget the spots you often see behind ceiling fans, lighting fixtures and appliances.
2. Organizing and depersonalizing
Remove excess items from countertops, closets and shelves. The goal is to allow visitors to imagine their belongings in the home. Keep personal items such as family photos, laundry and personal care products. Use a tidy checklist to create a space that feels bigger and more attractive.
3. We will do minor repairs
We will fix anything that may deflect buyers or cause concern. This includes leaky faucets, creaking doors, chipped paint, or broken cabinet handles. These small fixes can make a huge difference in how well your home is maintained.
4. Set in your space
Staging imagines how buyers use each room and imagines sales 5% to 15% more than counterparts that are not normally registered on stage. Place furniture to highlight space and functionality. Adds a cozy touch of throw pillows, fresh towels, and neutral bedding. If there are extra rooms, give them a purpose, for example. Turn an empty room into a home office or guest bedroom.
>>Read: 9 Benefits of Home Staging when Selling Your Home
5. We will support the charm of curbs
The outside of your home is the first thing a buyer sees, so count your curb appeal as houses with higher curb appeals increase by 7% on average. Mow the lawn, mow the bushes, plant flowers when the season allows, and clean the porch. Add a new doormat or fresh home number to enhance your entrance.
6. Enter natural light
Open the curtains and blinds and sunlight brightens your home. If natural light is limited, turn on properly positioned lamps and overhead lights. The bright space feels more cheerful and spacious.
7. Neutralizes odor
Avoid strong smells that can keep buyers away. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 80% of buyers say the smell affects the perception of the home. Remove any trash, take a clean pet area and avoid cooking strong fragrant food the day before. Consider using subtle fragrances like fresh linen and citrus to make your space feel fresh.
8. Make valuables and medicines safe
Keep your gems, prescription medications and personal documents. Most buyers are respectful, but it’s best to be careful at all times.
9. Highlight the key function
If your home has unique features such as a fireplace, walk-in closet, or updated kitchen, make sure they stand out. Clean these areas thoroughly and arrange furniture and decorations to attract attention.
10. I’ll leave during exhibition
As a seller, it is important to provide the buyer with space to explore. Leave the house during the open house to make visitors feel comfortable walking around and discussing their property with agents.
What mistakes should you avoid when showing your home?
Even small mistakes during the show can turn off buyers. Some common mistakes to avoid are:
Stay home during the show: Buyers need space to explore and talk freely. If you are behind, they may be in a hurry or feel uncomfortable. Leave messy interactions and personal items. Too many personal touches and confusion can make buyers more distracting and difficult to imagine themselves living there. Ignore the smell: Strong food, pets, or smoke odors can leave a lasting negative impression. Aim for a fresh, neutral scent. Overstage: Staging is useful, but too much furniture and excessive style space can cause forced infections. It keeps it simple and natural. Block access to rooms and closets: Buyers want to see every part of the house. Make sure all doors are open and nothing is off limits.
Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a more engaging and buyer-friendly experience that can lead to better offers.
How to prepare an open house like a professional
It takes time to prepare your house for an open house, but the reward is well worth it. When your space is clean, bright and thoughtfully placed, buyers are more likely to fall in love with it. These simple steps will give you a lasting impression and help you get closer to successful sales.
FAQ: Tips for showing your home
How can I show my home while I live in it?
Keep your home clean and prepare immediately. Keep personal items invisible and take your pets with you during the show. Quick cleaning routine and go bags make the process easier.
How long does it take to show your house?
The show usually lasts from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the home and how interested the buyer is.
How do you know that the show worked?
If a buyer spends time at home, ask questions, or follow up quickly, it can work. Agents may continue to share useful feedback afterwards.
