The Dos and Don'ts of Open Houses

Crystal 

Walker

Content Writer

When tasked with selling a home, hosting an open house is a key part of the real estate process. Open houses provide an excellent opportunity to showcase a property; however, they can be tricky to navigate if you’re not familiar with the ins and outs. Knowing the dos and don’ts of real estate open houses will make the experience smoother for everyone involved.

Best Practices for Sellers

Do Prepare the Property: If you’re hosting an open house, preparation is everything. A clean, clutter free space is essential. You want potential buyers to envision themselves living in the home, so make sure it’s neat, inviting, and well lit. Put away personal items, touch up paint, and ensure that the landscaping is neat. Little details like fresh flowers can create a welcoming atmosphere that makes a big difference.

Do Keep the Property Safe and Accessible: Make sure the house is safe for visitors. This includes removing any obstacles, clearing walkways, and making sure all rooms are accessible. If certain areas are off limits, like a storage room, be sure to clearly mark them as restricted. The goal is to make sure visitors can freely explore without stumbling over anything and getting hurt.

Do Have an Information Packet Ready: Buyers appreciate having something to take with them that outlines the property’s features. A well prepared brochure or information sheet with details like the home’s price, square footage, neighborhood info, and amenities can help guests remember key points about the property. Having a couple of your or your agent’s business cards on hand for follow up questions is also a nice touch.

Do Be Ready to Answer Questions: Be prepared to answer questions about the property. Buyers will likely want to know about the home’s age, any recent renovations, and the history of the property. Being knowledgeable about the neighborhood, schools, and local amenities is also helpful. A friendly and open demeanor can make visitors feel more comfortable asking questions and engaging with you.

What to Avoid

Don’t Hover Over Visitors: While it’s important to be available for questions, you also don’t want to follow potential buyers around like a shadow. Give them the space to explore and form their own opinions. Let them take in the home without feeling like they’re being judged or watched too closely. Hovering can make visitors uncomfortable and discourage them from asking questions or making genuine observations.

Don’t Overprice the Property: One of the biggest turnoffs for buyers is an overpriced home. Make sure the home is priced appropriately for the area and market. An overpriced listing will likely lead to fewer visitors and could leave the property sitting on the market longer. Work with a knowledgeable real estate agent to determine a competitive price.

Don’t Leave Personal Items in View: While this might seem obvious, it’s easy to overlook. Personal items like family photos, heirlooms, or clutter can make the space feel less neutral, making it harder for potential buyers to imagine themselves living there. Keep the property clean and depersonalized so visitors can focus on the home itself, not your belongings.

Don’t Forget to Follow Up: After the open house, following up with visitors is key. Make sure the agent reaches out to those who attended to gather feedback and gauge their level of interest. This keeps the lines of communication open and could make all the difference in closing the deal.

Final Thoughts

Hosting an open house can be an exciting, yet overwhelming experience. A well executed plan can make all the difference in the success of the sale. By keeping these simple dos and don’ts in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating or enjoying a positive open house experience. 

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