Tips to Preparing for an Open House
March 12th, 2008 by Damon
Real Estate Agents - Either you will need to do these things, or you will need to make your client do them. These tips will help you prepare for an open house:
1. Hire a cleaning service. A spotlessly clean home is essential; dirt will turn off a prospect faster than anything.
2. Have the lawn mowed, and be sure toys and yard equipment are put away.
3. Serve cookies, coffee, and soft drinks. It creates a welcoming touch. But be sure the kitchen has been cleaned up; use disposable cups so the sink doesn’t fill up.
4. Lock up your clients valuables, jewelry, and money. Although you will be on site during the open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.
5. Turn on all the lights. Even in the daytime, incandescent lights add sparkle.
6. Send the pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (a basement or bath).
7. Leave. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in the closets and express their opinions of the home with the sellers still there.
