Smoky Mountains NC Real Estate Blog

Insider Secrets for Open House Prep

www.RickStrohm.com

Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.

September 15, 2011

 Are you thinking about an open house for your property/home? Or have you had an open house in the past? Here are some "tips" that might help you better you open house:

1. Visit Other Open Houses. Here in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina we do not have open houses all that often, but for select homes we do have them. Open houses in our area are more prevelient in the cities in the mountains. However, if you (or your Realtor) are planning on having an open house you should visit other open houses in your area. This will provide you with ideas to have at your open house. I would suggest having some h'orderves for your open house guests and a brochure for your home. This brochure would include the specs of your home and anything that you might deem a "selling point" (i.e. fireplace, hot tub, etc).
   
2. Be Ready To Move. You just might find the buyer you've been searching for at your open house. Make sure that you start packing up smaller items. Who knows...maybe you find the buyer that is willing to close in the next 30-60 days. You do not want to delay your closing. Something to think about!
3. Invite Your Neighbors. Your neighbors just might help you sell your home. Maybe they have a friend or relative that wants to live close (or next) to them. Your neighbors are a great marketing tool!
4. Talk To Your Neighbors. Your neighbors want you to sell your home for "top dollar". Obviously, top dollar will increase the resale of their own property.
5. Upkeep Of Your Neighbors Property. This might just sound crazy, but you might want to ask your neighbor to mow their yard. You want your home in show condition. If your neighbor does not mow their yard all that often, you should talk to them about mowing or offer to mow their yard before your open house. This will make your home look much more presentable!
6. Don't Be Offended. Not everyone is going to like "red" walls or carpet. Not everyone has the same taste in interior decorating as you. Do not be offended by a buyer or Realtor that come into your home and talk bad about your decorating skills. Before you show your home or have an open house, go to your local home improvement store and repaint your walls a "neutral" color. Give your potential buyer their own palette to work with. This might just sell your home.