Selling your home, especially if it is your sole residence, can be a stressful and an emotionally charged exercise. For that reason, planning ahead and having a workable strategy outlined for the entire sales process and the eventual move to a new residence, is important.

Our last few newsletters have included information on the different ways in which you can ensure your home is primed for a smooth and hassle-free sale.

In today’s edition of the GTA Real Estate Insight, we will share information on how to prepare for an open house event that showcases your property in the best possible light for prospective buyers.

Why Stage an Open House Event?

An open house event allows prospective buyers, investors, realtors, or even neighbors an opportunity to assess the inherent value of your property themselves. It is an important sales marketing tactic and is commonly used to secure significant and wide-ranging buyer interest that can ensure your property sale fetches top dollar. A successful open house, organized by the real estate professional you have engaged, can also help you sell your home quickly.

How to Host an Open House?

While the planning and successful execution of the open house event will be taken care of by the Realtor you hire to help you sell your home, there is a detailed checklist that you need to go over with your Realtor to ensure a successful showing or series of showings. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • If the open house event is for your primary residence, it is advisable to leave home with your family on that day so that visitors can make an uninterrupted tour of your property, led by your Realtor, of course. 
  • Your Realtor should keep a record of all the attendees, including their contact information. And get their feedback after the viewing.
  • Open House tours need to be regulated, allowing only a manageable number of viewers inside the property at a time, so plan for that in advance. 
  • You also need to decide in advance, and in consultation with your Realtor, if you are okay with visitors taking pictures or making a video of your property during the open house.

Steps to Ensure a Successful Open House

Staging an open house event that successfully drums up buyer interest primarily involves making some changes/alterations in your current living set-up in order to maximize the appeal of your home. While the various embellishments and flourishes you have added to your home reflect your personal aesthetic and preferences, it is advisable to minimize or remove them altogether on the day of the open house. 

  • Begin by making a quick inventory of the items/pieces of furniture/personal belongings in all the rooms to be cross-checked after the event is over.
  • Take stock of what should remain and what needs to be removed.
  • It is advisable to remove personal pictures and valuables.
  • Fragile or valuable items should either be stowed away safely or removed from the house.
  • Remove all medications/personal items from your bathroom cabinets.
  • Ensure that any important documents are put in storage or secured out of reach.
  • If you have any pets, it is best to make sure they also leave with you.

The Aesthetics of an Open House

To help buyers envision themselves living in your home, it is important to set up and present your home in a way that allows visitors to do exactly that. Often, sellers will empty their house completely and have a professional stager prepare the property for an open house event. If that is an expense you do not wish to undertake, you can still do the following to make your home as attractive as possible.

  • Make sure your home is thoroughly cleaned and de-cluttered, including the bathrooms, closets, kitchen shelves, and drawers.
  • Add small aesthetic touches, such as fresh flowers, scented candles, wall art, or cozy throws that brighten up or highlight your furniture.
  • Place an inviting platter of freshly baked (or store-bought cookies!), water, or cool drinks (if showing during summertime) for visitors near the entrance.
  • Make sure your home is odor-free, including cooking aromas. Open your windows to ensure good air circulation.

Other than these guidelines, be sure to have a detailed discussion with your Realtor about your expectations and the necessary requirements for holding a successful Open House event. 

If you are a prospective seller and considering holding an Open House event for your property, do get in touch with RE/MAX Royal Team Sachdeva Realty for more information.

Have a good weekend!