For a home on the market, an open house feels like a tradition for most real estate agents, sellers, and curious neighbors who love to peek inside houses on their street. Most Kitchener houses for sale can be seen through open houses, helping potential buyers find the right home. You can even receive an offer on the spot. However, if you want a successful open house, attention to detail in preparation and execution may increase the chances of a good offer. 

#1. Advertise Your Open House

The first thing you have to do is let people know about your open house. Although your real estate agent will do much of the heavy lifting, you can also try to boost the open house by posting it on social media. You can place an ad in the community newsletter or newspaper or a poster on the popular Kitchener store or coffee shop bulletin board. 

On the open house day (traditionally a Sunday), you can ask the real estate agent to place strategically mapped signs around the neighborhood. Consider attaching some strings of balloons to every open house sign and include arrows pointing in the right direction. 

#2. Set Up the Premises for the Open House

Besides cleaning and decluttering your property and making it camera-ready before putting it on the market, you should also consider the following special preparations for the open house:

• Try to remove all the vehicles from the driveway. Ask your neighbors not to park in front of your house.
• Open all the blinds, drapes, and window coverings, and turn on every overhead fixture and lamp.
• Serve some snacks and refreshments
• Do not use an air freshener, as many people are allergic to synthetic odors.
• Play soft, ambient music throughout the house
• Create a bulletin board of house photographs, including photos taken during summer or winter, so your guests can see what the house looks like during all seasons.

#3. Put Out the Paperwork

A great open house is about more than ambiance. It’s also about getting down to business. So, you and the real estate agent should start by displaying four-color flyers filled with photos, key points, and unique features of your home (a cheat sheet that potential buyers can take home). You can also have brochures containing financing options so people can readily determine their monthly mortgage payment. Lenders and banks can supply you with these. 

Finally, set out some documents about the property, such as evidence of significant repairs, warranties, inspection reports, and blueprints for additions.

#4. Let the Real Estate Agent Interact with Your Visitors

The interactions with visitors are just as meaningful as the house itself. When someone enters your home, the real estate agent will be cheery and upbeat, asking them about what they’re looking for and, if possible, showing them why your property fits their requirements. 

It would be indicated to get some feedback, too. The agent will ask the buyers what they believe of your home and if they would consider purchasing it. While some may not be interested in buying it, others might decide to sit at the table and write an offer. The truth is that it happens more often than you would think.

It doesn’t mean your event was unsuccessful if you don’t receive any offer at or after the open house. Potential buyers could obtain a pre-approval letter and send you an offer a day or two later.

#5. Before the Open House Starts, Leave!

It’s in your best interest if, before the open house, you and your family are off the property. Most buyers will be uncomfortable voicing concerns or asking questions, knowing you’re listening. They will also feel pressured to buy if you handle the open house, making them frustrated instead of intrigued. And that’s precisely the opposite of how they should feel if they’re interested in your home.

If you have any pets, take them away too. Although many love pets and might deal with strange smells, barking, or shedding, some buyers cannot. An experience with a barking dog could set a prospective buyer off your property. Instead, let the real estate agent sell your home. While it can be hard to leave your home, it’s for the better.

Bonus Tip: Think About Security

The security of your belongings is fundamental. Lock away all your valuables, including cash, jewelry, credit cards, medicines, or adult beverages. Unfortunately, possible theft could be a problem when hosting an open house. To prevent such an event, have a sign-in sheet to record guests’ information, including their driver’s license, address, and phone number.

Jane