TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL OPEN HOUSE

If you're working with an experienced real estate agent to sell your home, you probably have little to worry about when it comes time to open your doors to the public and stage a good, old-fashioned open house. Agents know what sells a home, how to highlight its appealing features and how to downplay its less-than-stellar attributes.

Here are a few pointers that just might help you turn your open house into a sale:
Advertise. Your agent will have a game plan in mind for getting the word out about your home. Whether you advertise via mailings, print or online periodicals, signage, or word of mouth, getting a lot of people to walk through the door on the day of the open house is your main objective.

Stage to Sell. Again, your agent will have some tried-and-true techniques for selling a home like yours. You'll want to begin by making sure that everything is sparkling clean and there is absolutely no clutter - especially personal belongings that will make the house seem like your space rather than the buyer's space. Once you have everything looking nice, it's time to add in a few extras. If you're showing a high-end home, your agent might suggest offering champagne or even hiring a musician. But for most homes, the smell of freshly-baked cookies, bottled water, and some fresh flowers will do. Brand-new guest soaps and fresh towels in the bathrooms are a must.

Sign Them In. By asking guests to sign in on a sheet with their name, phone number, and email address, you'll be able to gauge who has shown interest and your agent can follow up with anyone who seems like a good lead. Also make sure that your agent has a flyer or other promotional information about the home available for visitors to take home, including basic features of the house and the asking price. Better yet if there are photos included as a visual reminder to guests who may have stopped in at more than one open house on the day that you're holding yours.
Secure Your Stuff. While visitors to an open house are unlikely to walk away with armloads of stereo equipment, it's a good idea to make sure jewelry and other valuables are stowed somewhere safe.

Get Away from it All! Prospective buyers are going to be more comfortable taking their time looking around if you aren't there reminding them that someone still lives in the house. Likewise, they will feel freer to ask questions of your agent about the property. Let your agent take the reins and treat yourself to an afternoon somewhere else. Consider it a little "you time."

In the current market, homes in many parts of the country are selling quickly due to low inventory that isn't quite keeping up with buyer demand. An open house is a great way to attract a lot of interest at one time and may even result in a seller's dream: multiple offers. With a little planning, open houses are a great way to get a lot of eyes on your house in one fell swoop.