Do’s and Don’ts When Preparing For An Open House

Do’s:

1. Clean and Declutter:

• Do thoroughly clean the entire house, including windows, floors, and surfaces.
• Do declutter rooms to make the space feel more open and inviting.

 

2. Curb Appeal:

• Do enhance the curb appeal by mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and adding potted plants.
• Do ensure that the exterior, including the front door, is in good condition.

 

3. Neutralize and Depersonalize:

• Do use neutral colors for walls and décor to appeal to a broader range of buyers.
• Do remove personal items and family photos to allow potential buyers to envision themselves in the space.

 

4. Highlight Key Features:

• Do emphasize the unique and desirable features of the home, such as built-in storage, architectural details, or a beautiful view.
• Do ensure that all essential systems (heating, cooling, plumbing) are in good working order.

 

6. Good Lighting:

• Do maximize natural light by opening curtains and blinds.
• Do ensure that all light fixtures are working, and consider adding extra lighting in darker areas.

 

7. A Pleasant Smell:

• Do create a pleasant scent using subtle air fresheners or by baking cookies before the open house.
• Do eliminate any odors, especially pet odors, by thoroughly cleaning and deodorizing.

 

8. Set the Right Temperature:

• Do ensure the home is at a comfortable temperature for visitors.
• Do consider adjusting the thermostat slightly higher in colder months and lower in warmer months to create a comfortable atmosphere.

 

9. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere:

• Do set the dining table, add fresh flowers, and create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
• Do consider playing soft, neutral background music to enhance the ambiance.

 

10. Furniture Arrangement:

• Do arrange furniture to showcase the flow of each room, making it easy for visitors to navigate.
• Do consider creating cozy conversation areas to help buyers envision how they might use the space.

 

11. Staging:

• Do consider professional staging if possible, as it can significantly enhance the visual appeal of the home.
• Do use tasteful and modern furnishings to highlight the home’s potential.

 

12. Informational Materials:

• Do provide informational materials about the home, neighborhood, and local amenities.
• Do consider having a fact sheet or brochure available for potential buyers to take with them.

 

13. Open House Signage:

• Do strategically place open house signs in the neighborhood to guide potential buyers to the property.
• Do ensure that the signage is clear, well-designed, and provides essential information.

 

14. Security Measures:

• Do take necessary security measures during the open house, such as locking away valuables.
• Do consider having a sign-in sheet to keep track of visitors for security purposes.

 

15. Flexibility with Viewing Times:

• Do be flexible with the timing of the open house to accommodate a broader range of potential buyers.
• Do consider hosting the open house during peak hours when foot traffic is higher.

 

16. Social Media Promotion:

• Do leverage social media platforms to promote the open house.
• Do create engaging posts with attractive visuals and essential details about the property.

 

17. Technology Integration:

• Do consider incorporating smart home technology to showcase modern features.
• Do highlight any energy-efficient upgrades or smart home systems that may be attractive to buyers.

 

18. Interactive Floor Plans:

• Do provide interactive floor plans or virtual tours to help potential buyers visualize the layout.
• Do make these materials easily accessible online before the open house.

 

19. Testimonials and Reviews:

• Do showcase positive testimonials or reviews from previous clients.
• Do consider creating a display or booklet featuring success stories from satisfied buyers.

 

20. Refreshments:

• Do offer refreshments such as water, coffee, or light snacks to create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Do consider catering to dietary preferences and allergies if providing snacks.

 

21. Feedback Collection:

• Do encourage visitors to provide feedback on the property.
• Do consider using feedback forms or online surveys to gather insights from potential buyers.

 

22. Follow-Up Strategy:

• Do have a follow-up strategy in place to stay connected with interested buyers.
• Do collect contact information and send a thank-you email with additional details about the property.

 

Don’ts:

1. Personal Clutter:

• Don’t leave personal items like toothbrushes, laundry, or excessive family photos visible.
• Don’t overwhelm the space with too much furniture or personal décor.

 

2. Unpleasant Odors:

• Don’t use strong or overpowering scents, as they may be off-putting to some visitors.
• Don’t try to mask odors with air fresheners; instead, address the source of the smell.

 

3. Unfinished Repairs:

• Don’t leave noticeable repairs unfinished; fix any minor issues like leaky faucets or loose cabinet handles.
• Don’t assume potential buyers won’t notice small details – they often do.

 

4. Dark and Dim Spaces:

• Don’t keep curtains or blinds closed, making rooms appear dark and unwelcoming.
• Don’t rely solely on overhead lighting; use a combination of natural and artificial light to brighten spaces.

 

5. Pet Presence:

• Don’t leave pets at home during the open house, if possible.
• Don’t forget to clean up pet-related items and odors.

 

6. Over-personalization:

• Don’t showcase highly specific or niche decorations that may not appeal to a broad audience.
• Don’t make the home too personalized to your taste; aim for a neutral and universally appealing look.

 

7. Unattended Valuables:

• Don’t leave valuable items like jewelry, electronics, or personal documents in plain sight.
• Don’t assume all visitors have good intentions; take precautions to secure valuables.

 

8. Intrusive Presence:

• Don’t hover over visitors during the open house; give them space to explore.
• Don’t overshare personal information; maintain a professional demeanor.

 

9. Incomplete Landscaping:

• Don’t neglect the outdoor areas; ensure that the yard is well-maintained and inviting.
• Don’t forget to remove any dead plants or debris from the garden.

 

10. Inaccurate or Misleading Information:

• Don’t provide inaccurate information about the property or its history.
• Don’t exaggerate features or potential benefits that may mislead potential buyers.

 

11. Unpleasant Surprises:

• Don’t surprise visitors with unexpected issues, such as non-functioning appliances or faulty fixtures.
• Don’t hide major flaws; be transparent about any known issues with the property.

 

12. Overly Personalized Artwork:

• Don’t display highly personalized or controversial artwork that may distract or turn off potential buyers.
• Don’t underestimate the impact of art on shaping the overall impression of the home.

 

13. Intrusive Photography:

• Don’t include personal photos of the current residents in promotional materials or during the open house.
• Don’t inadvertently capture personal items in listing photos.

 

14. Lingering Personal Items:

• Don’t overlook personal items like toiletries in bathrooms or excessive clothing in closets.
• Don’t forget to depersonalize all areas of the home, including storage spaces.

 

15. Unfinished Outdoor Spaces:

• Don’t ignore outdoor spaces; ensure that patios, decks, and landscaping are well-maintained.
• Don’t leave outdoor furniture in disrepair; fix or remove items that may be worn or broken.

 

16. Overpricing Discussions:

• Don’t engage in discussions about overpricing during the open house.
• Don’t make potential buyers feel uncomfortable by discussing negotiations openly.

 

17. Intrusive Marketing:

• Don’t overwhelm visitors with aggressive marketing materials or pushy sales tactics.
• Don’t forget that a balance between promotion and allowing visitors to explore is essential.

 

18. Neglecting Security Measures:

• Don’t neglect security during the open house, especially when dealing with a large number of visitors.
• Don’t compromise the safety of the property and its occupants.

 

19. Over-personalization in Scents:

• Don’t use overly strong or artificial scents, as they may be overwhelming to some visitors.
• Don’t distract from the home’s natural aroma with excessive use of air fresheners.