Tri-Valley Real Estate Blog

  • Home
  • Alameda County
  • Contra Costa County
  • Home Buyers
  • Home Sellers
  • Real Estate Investors
  • Market Update

How to Have a Successful Open House

February 15, 2018 by Dale Corpus Leave a Comment

How to Have a Successful Open House

I’ve heard it go back and forth for years that open houses are great idea and then they’re a terrible idea. Whatever the case may be, if you want to have a successful open house there are some things that need to happen first. An open house can open the doors to potential buyers though you’ll have a lot of nosy neighbors and people just browsing the neighborhood. However, an open house can be one of the very first steps a homeowner takes when trying to get more exposure on a property.

  • Moving to San Ramon With Your Pet
    Read
    Moving to San Ramon With Your Pet

Here’s what you need to do to have a successful open house.

#1. De-clutter.

You should be doing this anyway as soon as you decided to list the house. Taking out as much as possible and then putting back one or two items can really make the homes seem much cleaner, fresher, and open. You don’t want to be crowded or cluttered in any area of the home including cupboards, drawers, pantries, and closets. Yes, potential buyers and even nosy neighbors will look everywhere. Take out about half the items from all cupboards and closets so that it looks like there is plenty of space to add more.

Read More: 5 Mistakes People Make When De-Cluttering

#2. Repair and replace.

Again, before listing your home your real estate agent should go over everything that needs to be replaced, repaired, or updated. Buyers don’t want to look at projects that need completing or any work that they might have to do once they move in. Fix any leaks, tighten any door handles or knobs, and paint any chips, nicks, or cracks.

#3. Keep the flow easy.

Buyers don’t want to feel crowded, especially at an open house where there could be other people touring the house. Make sure that hallways, stairs, and rooms are clear enough for people to wander through without feeling crowded.

#4. Lure them in from the outside.

The outside curb appeal should be just as important as the inside. Make sure the lawn has been mowed and trimmed, there’s no leaves, branches, or shrubs along the sidewalks and stairs, and don’t clutter up the front porch were people will be walking in with too many potted plants or other decorations. Keep things clean, neat and to a minimum.

Related: 4 Ways to Clean Up Leaves and What to Do with Them

#5. Be cautious.

You want to protect valuables and your identity. You know it’s rare, criminals can use open houses as a way to case a house and find potential valuables to steal a later time or even during the open house. Make sure everything is locked away, hidden, and any prescriptions, money or checkbooks, and any valuable jewelry away from any prying eyes.

Related: Can Pets Affect the Sale of a Property?

When it’s time for an open house, leave and take your pets with you. Let buyers browse your house without you there. Your listing agent should accompany people through the house and then report back on how the showing went.

Ready to list? Give me a call!

You may also like

  • Serena
    Serena at Gale Ranch New Homes
  • put down on your first home
    How Much Should You Put Down on Your First Home?
  • San Ramon
    San Ramon’s Highest Priced Home
  • Is Your Home
    Is Your Home’s Value Decreasing?
  • Iron Oak at Alamo Creek
    Iron Oak at Alamo Creek
  • Best Places to Eat in Pleasanton, California
    Best Places to Eat in Pleasanton, California

Filed Under: Tri-Valley Home Sellers Tagged With: open house

  • Get a Mortgage
  • The Ultimate Home Buyers Guide
  • San Ramon
  • Pleasanton

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Contact Me:

(925)380-1657 Dale@KeytotheBay.com

dale-corpus-home-buyign

Find Me:

Recent Posts

  • Moving to San Ramon With Your Pet
  • 5 Ways to Get the Best Deal on a House
  • Does a Pool Increase Home Value?
  • How to Design a Family-Friendly Backyard
  • Easiest Flowers to Grow in your Garden

Copyright © 2022 ยท Agency Pro Theme on Genesis Framework ยท WordPress ยท Log in