Open Houses - Worth the Effort

When you have listed your property for sale with a REALTOR® - that is a real estate salesperson or broker who is a member of the local real estate board and/or the Manitoba Real Estate Association and Canadian Real Estate Association - one of the marketing methods the REALTOR® might suggest to you is an open house on a weekend. You may be familiar with open houses: perhaps you attended an open house when you purchased your home, or held one when you sold your last home. The benefit of having an open house is that it allows a number of potential purchasers to go through a home in a short period of time, increasing the exposure your home receives. Once you and the REALTOR® have decided on a date for an open house, there are a number of things you can do to make your property as attractive as possible to give the best first impression. Remember, first impressions are lasting impressions. Outside Preparation Keep your property in top condition: keep the lawn trimmed and tidy and make sure all trees and bushes are trimmed as well. Repair cracks or holes in the driveway. They are not only unsightly but they could also be a safety hazard. Ensure that tools and toys are not left lying around the yard or garden; they too can create a safety hazard, in addition to detracting from the tidy look you are trying to achieve. If the paint on eaves, trim or siding is cracked or peeling, consider a touch up or a paint job. If there is a lot of dirt or dust, wash it off with a good cleaning solution. Inside Preparation Keep the curtains and blinds open to let in as much natural light as possible. Remove clutter and furniture that blocks the flow of traffic in your home. If you have pets or you smoke, air out the rooms as much as possible - the fresher the air is, the better. The Day of the Open House Try to find somewhere else to be during the open house - people are more comfortable looking around and poking into closets and cupboards when the owner is not present. Take your pets with you when you leave for the open house - they may intimidate or bother prospective purchasers. Put all personal property like jewelry, money and medication out of sight and in a safe, secure place. Think about moving fragile items to less exposed areas to minimize the chance of breakage. Once the REALTOR® arrives for the open house, go through the house with him or her for a quick inspection before you leave. Once you are sure you've done what you can to maximize your home's appearance, go on your way and let the REALTOR® handle the rest. When it's Over On your return when the open house is over, the REALTOR® will tell you how many people attended and whether there was any special interest shown by anyone. Feel free to ask questions. You may not have a flood of offers as a result of the open house, but it's very possible that the eventual purchaser first saw your home during the open house. Who knows - maybe it was that last-minute re-arrangement of two chairs, or the uncluttered look that caused the purchaser to come back for a second, closer look. Whatever it was, an open house is usually worth the extra effort it takes to prepare for it. REALTOR® is a registered trademark of the Canadian Real Estate Association and identifies a real estate practitioner who is a member of the Association.