Showings and Open Houses

Open houses and showings can be a great opportunity to not only showcase your property but also to receive some open feedback. Although this is obviously not an all inclusive list, the following tips made my “Top Ten” list of key tasks to complete in order to have a successful showing or open house. 

1. MOW YOUR GRASS AND TRIM THE BUSHES.

First impressions are essential. I have had many instances where a poorly landscaped yard does not match the nice interior…or vise versa. It is a fact however that a great way to turn a scheduled showing into a quick drive by can be the difference between a great yard and one that is not so great.

2. GET A PRESSURE WASHER AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO USE IT.

Also a first impression but maybe not so noticeable is that paneling that is in desperate need of a cleaning or the driveway that is stained.

3. A FUNCTIONAL DOORBELL CAN GO A LONG WAYS.

A door knocker that is polished and clean or a functioning door bell, or lack there of, can send a negative message. This is especially true if you are waiting on your agent to open the door of a property and the homeowner (who you thought was not there) announces that the doorbell does in fact not work…

4. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR ENERGY SOURCES.

In the ever increasing push to be more energy efficient, heating and cooling mechanisms that appear to not make the mark or are in disrepair can raise many questions. Cleaning out fireplaces, replacing air filters and cleaning exposed duct work are a few tasks that are fairly quick and easy to complete.

5. DO DECLUTTER.

Everyone has heard it before, but clutter in a house sends a message of cramped spaces and sometimes dirtiness. Clean off the counter tops and organize those closets! If needed, do not be afraid to consider renting a storage space to temporarily get rid of extra items.

6. ENSURE ALL APPLIANCES ARE WORKING AND IMMACULATE.

Show off your appliances! All should be eye catching and a topic of conversation. The kitchen is usually the most expensive room in the house and should be treated as such.

7. GIVE YOUR SPACES DEFINITION. 

Short of putting up a table tent to name your master bedroom, it is imperative that you have rooms that have meaning. A formal dining area should have a table, a reading area or office should have a book shelf, etc.

8. HAVE A GARAGE SALE.

One of the best ways to de-clutter is to have a garage sale. Not only will you be able to open up some maybe much needed space in your house, but you will also make a little bit of money towards your upcoming move.

9. DISPLAY YOUR HOMES INDEX.

A great opportunity to really be a homeowner that appears to stand by the quality of the house is to have current and pertinent information on the property available for everyone’s review. The house profile sheet, surveys, appliance information, recent repair/utility bills are all good fillers for this binder.

10. BE AWARE OF ALL THE SENSES.

Potential home buyers always seem have a heightened sense of awareness when they are considering purchasing a property that most often times is the biggest purchase of their lives. Some soft background music along with a nice house scent can really capitalize on this increased awareness.

Having a focused plan that is consistent and focused will give you the best chance to really display all the positive attributes of your home during those showings or open house.

Until next time, stay on Top of the Market,

Erik Hart
REALTOR®
Severna Park Sales
Long and Foster Realtors
410-544-4000 Office
443-889-6860 Cell
www.erikhart.lnf.com