Even in a hot seller’s market, hosting a successful open house can make all the difference when it comes to closing a deal. But before you can get a solid lead, you need to know how to get your home ready for an open house.
Work with a Realtor you can trust.
For starters, find a local Realtor whose knowledge and experience will work for you. While this may very well be your first open house, chances are it won’t be your Realtor’s.
Plus, when you work with someone you trust, you know that Realtor will be committed to showing your property in the best possible light.
Make your space tour-ready.
In other words, declutter, declutter, declutter! Even if it means renting a storage unit, clean out those closets, cabinets and storage areas. Pack away any personal items, including valuables.
Deep-clean your entire home ahead of time while maintaining daily tasks such as making the beds and keeping the kitchen tidy.
Again, a benefit of working with a trusted realtor, like Ryan Roberts, is knowing they know what works and what doesn’t.
Stage your home.
This includes the exterior. When it comes to an open house, first impressions matter. Make sure your grass is mowed, pressure wash the driveway and plant some flowers. Invest in a new door mat or add a wreath to the front door.
Inside, arrange the furniture to make rooms appear as large as possible. Keep the décor, including linens and pillows, neutral.
Hire a professional photographer.
Next up on how to get your home ready for an open house is the importance of hiring a professional real estate photographer.
Remember, these photos will be used to promote and market your home every step of the way—from listing it to hosting an open house and more.
Promote the open house.
Let your Realtor take the lead when it comes to promoting the open house. Often times, agents have a strong network of contacts, including other clients and colleagues.
They can send out email blasts sharing the details of the open house as well as promote it on social media and through mailings, fliers and more.
Tell the neighbors.
Let your neighbors know you are planning to host an open house. This serves two purposes. First, it’s common courtesy. Second, they may have family and friends who are interested in becoming their neighbor.
Switch from a sign-in book to a sign-in tablet.
Modernize the familiar sign-in book with a sign-in tablet instead. Place a charged tablet on a table by the entry. Guests can quickly enter their full name and email address, which can help generate genuine leads.
Host a live, virtual walkthrough.
Since not everyone will be able to make the open house in person, get on Facebook Live or Instagram Live and offer a virtual walkthrough of the listing. You can invite viewers to participate and ask questions along the way.
Summary
To summarize, when it comes to how to get your home ready for an open house, contact Ryan Roberts first! With more than 10 years’ experience in real estate, consider him your local expert. From listing to marketing to hosting an open house to closing, he can handle it all. Learn more about Ryan, his active listings and life in East Alabama when you continue to read our blogs.