If you’re planning to sell your home, you may be wondering what exactly happens at an open house and how to prepare for it.
An open house is a great way to showcase your property to potential buyers, but a little preparation goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
Before the open home
The key to a successful open house is presenting your home in its best light. This doesn’t necessarily mean showing how you live in it but rather creating a welcoming, clutter-free environment that allows buyers to envision themselves in the space.
- Decluttering: Start by removing any unnecessary furniture and personal items. You want to keep just enough furniture to showcase the space without making it feel cramped. This helps buyers focus on the size and layout of the rooms rather than being distracted by your belongings.
- Deep cleaning: In the lead-up to your open house, ensure everything is spotless. This includes wiping down surfaces, packing away daily items like laundry and dishes, and storing personal belongings like jewellery. A clean, tidy home will always make a better impression.
- Final touches: Don’t forget to tidy up the outdoor spaces as well—mow the lawn, clear away clutter, and ensure the entrance is inviting. First impressions matter!
What happens at an open house?
On the day of the open house, the timeline usually looks like this:
10 minutes before the open home:
- Leave the property: It’s best for sellers to leave before potential buyers arrive. If you stay, it can make visitors feel uncomfortable or rushed, leading them to leave quickly without taking the time to properly consider your home.
- Agent preparation: Your agent will arrive early to open windows, turn on lights, and do a final check to ensure the house is in presentable condition.
During the open home:
- Welcoming buyers: The agent will be ready at the front door to greet visitors on time. They’ll log the details of each person inspecting the property—usually their name and phone number—so they can follow up later.
- Self-guided tour: Potential buyers are usually allowed to explore the home at their own pace. Having an agent hover over their shoulder can be intimidating and might cause them to rush. Instead, a second agent remains inside the home to keep an eye on things, answer questions and engage with all attendees, rather than focusing on just one group.
- Probing for interest: As people leave, the agent will often ask a few questions to gauge their interest, such as what they liked about the property. This feedback helps the agent understand buyer sentiment and allows them to follow up with interested parties.
Closing time:
- Final walkthrough: Once the open house ends, the agent will ensure that everyone has left the property and lock up. You can expect to return around 10 minutes later.
After the open house:
Later that day, your agent will give you a detailed update on how the open home went. They’ll let you know:
- Attendance numbers: How many people came through the property.
- Interested buyers: The level of interest among attendees and if anyone showed strong interest in making an offer.
- Feedback: What people liked or didn’t like about the home. This feedback can be helpful for understanding how your property is being received and if any adjustments need to be made for future open homes.
An open house is a valuable opportunity to get your property in front of multiple buyers at once. By preparing your home, working with your agent, and being open to feedback, you can increase your chances of a successful sale.
If you’re thinking about selling your home or want more tips on preparing for your first open home, our experienced agents at Prudential Real Estate are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Prudential Real Estate Macquarie Fields | (02) 9605 5333 | macquariefields@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Narellan | (02) 4624 4400 | narellan@prudential.com.au
