I am a huge advocate of Open Houses on my listings.  Not only have I sold a home directly to a buyer that came in the open house, but also, I cannot count how many people do their ownhome shopping at open houses, then report back 

For my safety and for the protection of your home, I always ask to see I.D. before the buyer enters.  It is hard to let complete strangers walk through your home, but I always keep track of every visitor.  If they refuse, they don’t get in.

Yes, it is true; your neighbours will be coming through.  That’s OK.  We expect it.  They want to know how much their home is worth so they are having a look, but they also just may want to pick their new neighbour and pass the word around.

What do you need to do?

Remove all valuables and medications from the home.  People will bring their children along with them to open houses and those little ones move fast!

No cooking food with strong smells then day before or the day of the Open House.  Cookies or Muffins are welcome!

Remove pets if possible for the Open House.  Some buyers are Non-Pet-People but also it can be very traumatic for the pet having strangers walk through their home.

Make sure the floors have been washed, beds have been made, kitchen is spotless, laundry put away, bathrooms tidy, toilet seats down, and shoes in closets. This is your debut to buyers.

Drapes open, Windows Clean, all Lights on.  Bright, Open and fresh sells!

Background Music is nice.  I usually set the TV to a Jazz music channel.  Sometimes, I can’t figure out which of the three remotes to use, so leave it on before you go!

Have a mat set out in the foyer for buyers to leave their shoes on.

Your agent must publish it on Realtor.ca to capture all potential buyers.  Newspaper ads are a thing of the past. 

Your agent will put out directional signs to guide people to your open house from the main streets.

And of course, you have to make plans for the afternoon…you cannot stay for the open house…sorry, but buyers will not engage in conversation with the agent if they know you are around.

Fun things you can do!

Candy Bar.  I had one client set up a Candy Bar.  Glass Jars filled with candies.  Little scoops were provided for each jar and displayed on the counter.  It was a huge hit!  Great idea Dawn!