Real Estate Open House Tips

In today's competitive Real Estate Market it's more important than ever to make sure as many prospective buyers walk through your home as quickly as possible.  Many Realtors are holding homes open on non-traditional days and times throughout the week because they know this will generate more traffic from more serious buyers and bring multiple, top dollar offers.

Here are some simple tips to get your home Open House Ready.

The biggest thing you want to keep in mind is you want to make sure your home is warm and inviting.  When my clients actually take a seat in a home we're touring, I know it's basically a done deal.  People many times feel strange going through other people's bedrooms and closets, but once they find the right one, they feel compelled to sit down or even lay down on the floor!  It's really fun to watch that AHA! moment take place for a client!  

Make sure your home is the proper temperature for the time of year.  If you can open the windows and let the fresh air come in, that's always a plus.  Or, if you can light the fireplace on those cooler days, that ambiance can really attract a buyer.  If it's 90 degrees outside, please turn on the A/C.  You don't want people running out of your home because they're sweating to death!

I'm a sucker for those yummy smelling candles and I use them whenever I can get away with it!  However, an Open House is not the place to use them.  There are actually people out there that are severely allergic to those scents and believe it or not, we don't all like the same scents.  So, if you must have a scent in your home, go with the old fashion remedy.  Bake some cookies in the oven and share them with your open house guests.  If you really want to get picky, use the cookie trick in the cooler months and fresh air in the warmer months.  It's all about creating the proper ambiance.

If hiring a home stager is not in the budget, that's ok.  Just make your home decor as simple as possible.  Take down all of your personal photos, put away the dog kennels, close the toilet lids and put out some fresh towels that add a pop of color.  If it's possible to add some season appropriate, fresh flowers around your home, that's certainly a plus!

My last tip is to stand outside at the street and just inside the doorway and take in what you see.  First impressions are EVERYTHING.  Make sure you have a clear, clean path to the front door and remove any noticeable clutter from your main entrance.

For more information about getting your home ready for the perfect Open House, contact Rebecca Uson Real Estate at 616-466-0762 or rebeccauson@gmail.com!