Open homes are a crucial part of the selling process, but most people feel quite nervous about their first one.
It’s not just an opportunity to showcase the property; it’s an event that can shape buyers’ perceptions and emotions, which influence how much they are willing to pay for your property. However, with the right planning and support, it doesn’t have to be a big ordeal.
Here’s a simple guide on what to expect and how to prepare for a successful open house.
Preparing your home
To make your home more appealing to potential buyers, here are some essential steps to consider.
First things first, pare down your furniture to essential pieces only. This will help make the home feel spacious and airy. Think minimalistic, but not bare – try and create an environment that resembles a show home and allows prospective buyers to imagine themselves living there.
Next, declutter your home. Chuck out the junk, or if you’re not sure where to put it, store it in cupboards temporarily. The rule of thumb is to keep your surfaces and floors as clear as possible; ideally, nothing should be left out that can be picked up with one hand.
Now you have a decluttered space, it’s time to make it sparkle. A clean house is a sellable house. Vacuum, tidy up any rubbish, take everything off the floor and pack it away, and don’t forget the kitchen sink! Open the windows to let fresh air in and if the weather is cold, consider running heaters or air conditioning to make the environment warm and inviting.
Should you attend your open home?
The short answer is no.
Prospective buyers are often reluctant to express their genuine opinions and ask questions if the owner is around. It can be intimidating to have the owner looking over their shoulder (even though you may be in the next room or in the backyard), so they might rush through, or miss the important details.
Plus, you might not want to hear every comment that people make about your home. Some of them might be negative or irrelevant, and hearing these can sometimes touch a nerve.
It’s best to leave it to your real estate agent to run the open home. They are skilled in showcasing the best features and at gathering feedback. They will keep you in the loop with all the relevant information.
Do yourself a favour – take your dog for a walk, relish a coffee at your favourite cafe, or catch up with friends. Just be sure to leave the house at least 10 minutes before the open house starts to give the agent plenty of time to set things up.
What about tenant-occupied properties?
If your property has tenants, remember that they are not obligated to leave during the open house. They are entitled to occupy the premises as per the lease agreement. However, the law requires that they provide access for the open house.
What happens after the open home?
Once the open house wraps up, it’s best to allow time for your agent to do a final sweep before you return. You should aim to return after any prospective buyers have left. Your agent will communicate with you shortly after the open house, often immediately via text message or a phone call. At the very least, you should expect a detailed report on the same day.
The feedback will often include how the open home went, any common themes or comments from prospective buyers, whether there are any offers, or key indicators of interest such as requesting a contract or taking measurements.
Wrap up
An open house is a golden opportunity to charm potential buyers and highlight the potential of your home. With some thoughtful preparation and the expertise of a seasoned real estate agent by your side, you can make your home shine.
If you’re considering selling your home and would like personalised assistance and guidance, our friendly team at our offices in Campbelltown, Liverpool, Macquarie Fields, and Narellan are ready to help.
Prudential Real Estate Campbelltown | (02) 4628 0033 | campbelltown@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Liverpool | (02) 9822 5999 | liverpool@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Macquarie Fields | (02) 9605 5333 | macquariefields@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Narellan | (02) 4624 4400 | narellan@prudential.com.au
