What you should know about having an open house when selling.
Today in part five of my home-selling process series, we’re discussing open houses. You and your real estate agent will want to have a conversation about open houses. Are they a good or bad idea? It’ll depend on whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market, whether they’re customary in your market, and whether your home needs one.
One thing some sellers are concerned about is that certain agents have open houses to find more buyers and sellers to work with who may or may not be interested in buying your home. However, it’s common for open houses to get you a buyer lead and help you sell the home. So again, it’s crucial to have a conversation with your agent about what an open house will do for you.
“We try to keep other kids from touching your childrens’ things, but sometimes it’s unavoidable.”
If you decide to hold an open house, make sure your agent is advertising it properly. I usually plan two weeks in advance, send out postcards to 100 people in the area, place an ad in the local newspaper, and run a Facebook ad for the whole two weeks. Those are just some of the ways your agent can promote your open house, but they may do other things as well.
Be sure to put away or take all valuables with you so that they’re not easily accessible. You have one agent, so if a group of three people comes in, they can’t follow them all through the house if they separate. Anything you’re concerned about should be considered, such as medication, jewelry, guns, etc. If you have children, remember that we try to keep other kids from touching your children’s things, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. So if they have items they’re concerned about, remove those as well.
Stay tuned for part six, where we’ll discuss receiving offers. If you have questions about open houses or any other real estate matter, I’d be glad to answer them. Please reach out to me via phone or my website. I would love to help you.
