If you’re a first time home seller, or even if you are someone who has moved a few times, you may have questions regarding what an Open House is all about in 2018. But whether you want to make sure that you show your home in its best light or if you don’t like the idea of strangers coming into your home, taking a look around and critiquing it, I have some advice:
Take a deep breath.
Most homeowners have these feelings when they are selling their home. It’s only natural. But if you prepare a little and have a quality real estate agent such as myself, an Open House may just be the most important thing that gets your home in the Lake George or surrounding area sold sooner rather than later.
First, know that you will have to clean up your home somewhat, but it doesn’t have to be immaculate. Potential buyers don’t want to see empty pizza boxes lying around, but they do want to know that the home was well kept. They want to imagine themselves living there, and a smelly garbage can just won’t do that for them. A good way to prepare yourself is to do a big cleaning a few weeks before the Open House (You’re planning on moving, right? You will need to go through everything eventually.). Then all you need to do before an Open House or showing is to straighten up, maybe vacuum, throw out the garbage.
Next, be prepared to not be home during the Open House. This will not only be good for potential home buyers, but for you as well. Home buyers don’t want to feel pressured by the eyes and ears of the home owner. They want to be relaxed and feel free to look at what they want for as long as they want, and to discuss any potential issues or things they love. Even though being comfortable during the Open House won’t guarantee that someone makes an offer, if they are uncomfortable they almost definitely will not.
With almost everyone having a smartphone with them at all times, Open House guests may want to use them. They may take a few pictures of rooms as a reminder to talk about something with their family when they leave. Or they may want to use the smartphone for a video call with someone who couldn’t physically make the Open House, so they can experience a walk through at the same time, and ask discuss things in real-time.
And for you, being home may make you feel like you are in the way. You may feel defensive by some of the comments visitors make. The time may feel like it is dragging to you (maybe you’ll feel people are taking too long; maybe you’ll feel that people aren’t coming through the door fast enough). By making it a point to be out of the house doing something for the 2 – 3 hours you can be productive or just relax. You won’t miss any information you need. I will be there to talk to the visitors.
I provide you with a list of people who came to the Open House (or at least a count), along with information on which seemed to be seriously interested. There might also be additional feedback on what people liked and didn’t like about the home. Don’t take this information personally. This feedback can be crucial to improve the chances of your home selling should you need another Open House or if you have upcoming individual showings.
Have more questions about hosting an Open House? Give me a call at 518-321-1870. My expertise and calming nature can be a great resource for you as you begin the process of selling your home.
Editor’s Note: This content was originally published in 2014 but has been updated as of October 2017.