How to Prepare for an Open House

Below we outline crucial steps for Sellers and Buyers to get the most out of Open Houses.

Why Great Open Houses Matter More Than Ever

For a home on the market, a Sunday open house is a beloved ritual for home sellers, real estate agents, and nosy neighbors eager to sneak a peek inside properties on their street.

But thanks to a recent shake-up from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, there’s a new twist in the home buying process. Now, buyers must sign a Buyer Agency Agreement just to schedule a private showing. This means many potential buyers, either unwilling or unable to sign on the dotted line, will flock to open houses to scope out properties. This game-changing shift makes a killer open house more crucial than ever.

Below we outline crucial steps for Sellers and Buyers to get the most out of Open Houses.

• Make Your Home Tour-Ready
• Declutter and Depersonalize
• Stay Away From the House
• Let Your Agent Take Charge
• Let People Know
• Move Fast
• Importance of Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval
• Bring Your Own Agent, When Possible
• Try for a Private Showing as Well
• Talk to the Agent

Make Your Home Tour-Ready

Eager buyers won’t overlook major flaws in your home – they’ll either opt to pass or make an offer below what you feel your home is worth. Mow the lawn, plant flowers, paint the front door if it’s seen better days and repair any issues.

Declutter and Depersonalize

We get it, DEpersonalizing sounds DEpressing. But this tactic really works. Buyers want to envision their own lives in your home, and the easiest way for them to do that is by minimizing signs that you live there. It’s tough to picture yourself in a space filled with someone else’s stuff.

Unless you’re a minimalist, your home is probably more cluttered than you’d like. Disorganization is common, from a bit of messiness to full-blown hoarding.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Clean floors, vacuum, wipe down baseboards and windows.
• Hide shoes, laundry, and dishes.
• Secure any valuables by moving them out or locking them away.
• Consider home staging your house or hiring a professional

If you’re already tidy—making your bed daily and not letting dishes pile up—getting ready for an open house should only take a few extra steps.

Stay Away From the House

When your house is open to the public, it’s best to make yourself scarce. Just like removing family photos, buyers prefer not to meet the seller while forming their opinion of the property.

Take your pets with you during the open house. Some people are allergic or simply not fans of pets, even friendly ones. Evidence of pets can be a turnoff for some buyers, so deep cleaning to remove any pet smells is essential.

Let Your Agent Take Charge

Choose a listing agent you trust with your home. During an open house, be ready to let your agent take the reins and trust them to showcase your property in the best light.

Pssst… give us a call.

Let People Know

To ensure a successful open house, people need to know it’s happening. Your real estate agent will typically handle the marketing, putting up signs in front of your house and around the neighborhood. They’ll also post the open house on the local multiple listing service and popular consumer-facing listing sites like Zillow, Trulia, and realtor.com. This comprehensive approach helps attract more potential buyers to your open house.

For example, at Team Citron, we have a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for our Open House marketing campaign that ensures optimal traffic. This detailed plan outlines each step of our strategy. We start by leveraging social media, creating engaging posts and stories on Facebook and Instagram. Our MLS listings are meticulously updated with high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and Open House dates, highlighting unique features and recent upgrades. We send personalized email invitations to our client database, complete with attractive visuals and event details. Additionally, we have even leveraged partnerships with local businesses for cross-promotion, offering exclusive perks or discounts for attendees. We ensure eye-catching, branded signage is strategically placed leading up to and on the day of the event. Finally, we collect contact information during the Open House and follow up with attendees for feedback and potential interest. This comprehensive strategy, utilizing organic advertising through our extensive database, ensures maximum visibility and engagement for our Open House events.

The more people who know about the open house, the more you’re likely to tap into the large buyer pool.

Move Fast

If a home you’re serious about has an open house its first weekend on the market, come prepared. Understand your financial situation, have a loan preapproval when possible, and be willing to make an offer after touring.

Importance of Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval

Pre-qualification and pre-approval are essential steps before you start looking into any home. Pre-qualification establishes a conversation with a lender and gives you an idea of what you can afford. This is important because it sets the foundation for your budget and helps you understand your financial boundaries. Pre-approval, on the other hand, shows sellers you’re a serious buyer, ready to move quickly. It strengthens your position during negotiations and makes the buying process smoother and faster.

Often, buyers start looking casually but can become emotionally attached to a home. Missing out on a dream home due to lack of preparation can be heartbreaking. Imagine finding the perfect 3-bedroom, 3-bath home with a lemon tree and chicken coop, only to lose it because you weren’t pre-approved. This can lead to years of regret. Therefore, being prepared by getting pre-qualified and pre-approved ensures you can act quickly and avoid missing out on the deal of a lifetime.

Bring Your Own Agent, When Possible

If you already have a real estate agent, it’s best to visit open houses together, just as you would for a private showing. Your agent can speak to the listing agent on your behalf, which is crucial if you’re serious about making an offer.

The pleasant and seemingly helpful open house host is not there to represent your best interest; they’re there to represent the seller’s best interest. Their goal is to sell their client’s home and collect information that will put their client in a better position to negotiate if you decide to

make an offer. Having your own agent ensures that someone is looking out for your interests, helping you navigate the process, and advocating for you during negotiations.

Try for a Private Showing as Well

Whenever possible, schedule a private showing outside of the open house hours. This allows you to take your time and form an opinion without the distraction of other competing buyers. If you expect the home to receive multiple offers its first weekend on the market, seeing the home privately ahead of time can give you an edge. If that’s not possible, attend the open house and then schedule a private showing afterward to finalize your opinion.

At Team Citron, we’ve noticed that in some cases, there are enough requests for private showings that an open house can become unnecessary. By arranging a private showing, you can ensure a more thorough and personal viewing experience, which can be crucial in making an informed decision.

Talk to the Agent

If you’re just starting to shop for a home, the agent hosting the open house can be a helpful resource. However, if you become serious about buying the house you’re touring, it’s wise to consider working with a different agent. The listing agent might offer their services as a buyer’s agent or even propose to list your current home.

At Team Citron, we recommend thoroughly vetting any agent to ensure they’re a good fit before signing a contract for representation. Observing how the agent discusses the listing at the open house can give you insight into what to expect if you decide to work with them in the future.