Key Things You Need to Consider Before You Host an Open House

by Lisa Duguay, ABR, SRES 08/02/2020

An open house offers an excellent opportunity for a seller to showcase his or her residence to a large group of buyers. As such, it is important for a seller to plan ahead for an open house. If a seller devotes time and energy to prepare for an open house, his or her residence may make a positive impression on buyers.

Ultimately, there are several things that sellers need to consider before they host an open house, such as:

1. Home Interior and Exterior

A home's interior and exterior must dazzle buyers during an open house. Otherwise, a home is unlikely to make a long-lasting impression on a buyer.

To upgrade a house's interior, a seller should clean each room. Mop the floors, wipe down countertops and ensure each room is neat and tidy. Also, professional home cleaning companies are available that can help a seller quickly remove dirt, dust and debris from his or her residence.

Meanwhile, to upgrade a home's exterior, a seller should repair any damaged or cracked siding. If a seller requires extra assistance, he or she can reach out to local home improvement professionals to perform house exterior repairs as well.

2. Lawn Care

A home's messy, weed-filled lawn is unlikely to garner buyers' attention. In fact, this lawn may prove to be an instant turn-off to buyers when they attend an open house.

For sellers, it can be quick and easy to enhance a home's lawn. By mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges and performing other lawn care tasks, a seller can transform a drab lawn into a stunning one.

A seller should continue to take care of his or her lawn throughout the house selling cycle, too. If a home has an amazing lawn, this residence may capture buyers' attention, regardless of when a seller hosts an open house.

3. Clutter

Antiques, knick-knacks and various decorations may fill your house, but these items may appear to be "clutter" in the eyes of homebuyers. Therefore, you may want to put your personal belongings into storage before you host an open house. This will allow you to keep your personal items safe during an open house. At the same time, it will help buyers envision what life could be like if they purchase your residence.

Preparing for an open house sometimes can be difficult. Thankfully, you can hire a real estate agent who can help you plan for any open house, at any time.

A real estate agent can provide recommendations to help you prepare for an open house. Plus, he or she can share buyers' feedback following an open house and ensure you can make your residence into an attractive option for buyers.

Ready to host an open house? Consider the aforementioned factors, and you can get ready for an upcoming open house. And as a result, you can boost the likelihood that an open house leads to multiple offers to purchase your residence.

About the Author
Author

Lisa Duguay, ABR, SRES

Lisa is a sales and marketing professional with over 20 years of experience representing buyers and sellers throughout Fairfield County. Her deep understanding of local residential markets and current trends along with the exceptional local and global networking resources of Berkshire Hathaway allow her to provide the highest level of personalized, professional and confidential services to her clients. An experienced listener and negotiator, she works with her clients to thoroughly understand and achieve the results they desire. Dedicated, discreet, ethical, honest and principled, Lisa has been consistently recognized as a top producing agent and is a trusted resource within her communities. * Certified Relocation Specialist *Accredited Real Estate Buyer’s Representative (ABR) *Accredited, Senior Real Estate Specialist Council (SRES) *Member, National Association of Realtors *Member, Connecticut Association of Realtors *Member, Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors * Member, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Lisa is a lifelong area resident who grew up in Westport and currently resides in Southport. She is actively involved as a volunteer for several local organizations including the CT Alzheimer’s Association.