6.5. Open Houses Tips

1. Use a professional stager if the house is a fixer-upper. At least the sensitive feedback comes from the stager rather than you.

2. Use a professional photographer/videographer for your MLS and marketing material photos and videos to present the home – and your image – in the best possible light.

3. The old advice about having the house smell like baked cookies or apple pie is still pertinent because it works.

4. Remove personal affects from the home. It will be more difficult for prospective buyers to picture themselves in the home if there are pictures of great-grandma everywhere.

5. Have an electronic or material guestbook so you can collect potential buyer contact information. Some buyers are hesitant to provide this information but tell them the seller is more comfortable knowing who is visiting their home.

6. Tell your sellers to lock away any valuables. Remind them you will not typically be following the potential buyers around. Better to err on the side of caution.

7. Don’t hover around potential buyers but be available should they have questions.

8. Remind visitors to remove shoes.

9. Have water and snacks on hand that won’t make a mess. Items like granola bars are a good choice.

10. Keep safety in mind. It might be a good idea to buddy up with a colleague, so you are not in the house alone. Or, have a mortgage broker or some other real estate-related professional accompany you.

11. Never go into the basement or any area that makes you vulnerable when alone with a stranger.

12. Be sure to have lots of business cards available.