Top Ten Tips for Open House Prep

For an open house, to the general public or to other Realtors, your house does not necessarily need to look like a photo shoot for the spring Pottery Barn catalog (although that would be terrific if that were the case). And I'm not talking about a bowl of lemons on the kitchen counter or baking cookies in the oven. No, those are advanced topics.

Rather, based on just four broker open houses I attended earlier this week, these are some basic steps I recommend for both agents and homeowners trying to sell houses.  I am not suggesting you try to transform your house into something it is not; it should simply be the best it can be at that time.

10.  Throw away the empty pizza box from the stovetop.
9.  Grab two or three large black garbage bags and walk through the house for 15-20 minutes, throwing away obvious trash and junk.
8.  If it is going to rain, don't leave the windows open.
7.  That said, if possible, air it out ahead of time; food and pet odors can be overwhelming.
6.  Sweep.
5.  It's handy if your azaleas are in peak bloom; as an alternative, some pansies might be nice.
4.  Vacuum up the dead flies from the floors and window sills.
3.  At least put your laundry in the hamper.
2.  No one wants to see your dirty dishes.
1.  Get the house ready like someone is coming to visit, because they are.

Prospective buyers and their buyer's agents will thank you.

Observations From Some Broker Opens

Oh-for-three.  That's how the Broker Open Houses I attended this afternoon "batted" in agent coverage.  Being in the first year of my real estate career, I am not being judgmental.  I merely observe that if I am going to host a Broker Open House, the goal of that event is to expose my listing on behalf of my seller clients to as many real estate agents as possible.  These agents ostensibly have buyers who may want to see the property so the Broker Open House gives the agents a chance to preview without appointment and ask questions about the home as they view it.  If the listing agent is there, that is.  No agent equals no answers, no helpful tips, no "don't miss..." comments, no real selling of the house.

Adding to this gap, two of the three had not even one piece of paper, not one glossy brochure boasting about all the home has to offer.  Nothing to jot my notes on, nothing to help me remember the property.

Instead, I hope to be able to live up to this standard: Broker Open House means that I will be there and I will have professionally prepared brochures with all the home's features and benefits on hand.  Maybe I'll even serve coffee and muffins.