How to Have a Successful Open House as a Buyer or Seller

Open House season has been in full swing for a few months now. As the busyness winds down, don’t forget these tips that can help you pull off a successful open house that hopefully leads to a quick sale. 

If you’re a buyer, don’t worry! We have tips for you to be prepared for your house hunting adventure. 

Tips for Sellers

First impressions are made outside of the home, so the exterior needs to be just as welcoming as the interior. Anything from an inviting paint color to a newer welcome mat could make the difference for a potential buyer. 

Before holding an open house, tackle these outdoor and indoor cleaning tasks. They’ll freshen up your space and create an environment that will help house hunters picture themselves living in the space.  

Prepping the Exterior

• Power was sidewalks
• Pull weeds, prap landscaping
• Clena gutters
• Wash windows (exterior and interior), clean screens
• Freshen up paint on the front door
• Replace house numbers with weathered

Prepping the Interior

• Depersonalize (Remove photos, personal décor) 
• Clean all bedding, blankets, pillows and fluff pillows 
• Make rooms appear as big as possible by rearranging furniture 
• Spray rooms with lightly scented air freshener 
• Organize closets to highlight storage space 
• Declutter counters, tabletops, shelves, etc. 

Tips for Buyers 

Attending an open house can be intimidating. You might not know exactly what you’re looking for in the home or what to ask the Realtor. 

Asking the right questions can help you decide if you want to make an offer. For example, be curious about why the home is for sale. A common answer would be relocating for work or expanding the family. You don’t want surprises if you do end up moving in, like a foundation issue! 

A Few Questions to Ask:

• Is it vacant? If so, how long has it been vacant? 
• Why are the owners selling? 
• Has the home been tested for mold? 
• Have the sellers kept pets in the home? 
• Are there other public fees apart from utilities? 
• Is there an HOA? 
• Has it been updated or renovated? If so, are there permits available to review? 

If you have another question that’s not on this list, ask away! You can never ask too many questions during the homebuying process.  

Whether you’re a buyer or seller, these tips are sure to help you prepare for an open house. 

If you’re ready to start the home search but haven’t been pre-approved yet apply here:  https://gvc.mortgageexpressapp.com/homehub/signup/MARKETING@GVCMORTGAGE.COM