Hosting a Successful Open House: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you planning to sell your home? If so, hosting an open house can be a powerful tool to attract potential buyers and showcase your property. Whether you’re working with a real estate agent or going the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route, a well-executed open house can make a significant difference in getting your home sold. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential steps and must-dos to host a successful open house.

When is the best day and time to host an open house?

The best date and time can vary by location. Typically open houses are hosted on the weekend when most people are off and not required to be at work. The best day and time to host an Open House is when people expect to find Open Houses. Check to see when Real Estate Agents are hosting open houses and target those windows of time!

What’s the best day of the week to host an open house?

Typically Saturday or Sunday is the best day of the week to host an open house.

What’s the best time to host an open house?

The best time to host an open house is early afternoon.  Typically Open Houses are hosted between 12pm (noon) and 4pm.  This optimal time slot can capture the majority of potential buyers as you can catch everyone from the “after church” crowd to the most serious buyers.

5 Steps To Rock Your Open House

An open house can be an effective marketing tool to help sell your property as well as attract potential buyers for others properties. You want to make sure that you do everything you possibly can to make your open house as successful as it can be!  And lucky for you it’s broken down right here! 

Step 1: Open House Preparation is Key

Before you even think about hosting an open house, it’s crucial to ensure that your home is in tip-top shape. Start by decluttering and depersonalizing your space. Remove any personal items such as family photos and knick-knacks to allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in the home.

Next, take care of any necessary repairs and maintenance tasks. Fix leaky faucets, replace burnt-out light bulbs, and touch up any scuff marks on walls. A well-maintained home will make a positive impression on potential buyers and increase the likelihood of receiving competitive offers.

Step 2: Stage Your Home to Impress

Staging is another essential aspect of preparing for an open house. The goal of staging is to highlight your home’s best features and create a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Consider hiring a professional stager to help you arrange furniture, add tasteful decor, and maximize the use of space in each room.

If hiring a professional isn’t an option, you can still stage your home effectively by following some basic principles. Keep furniture arrangement open and airy, remove bulky or outdated pieces, and add pops of colour with accessories like throw pillows and rugs. Remember, less is often more when it comes to staging – aim for a clean, cohesive look that will appeal to potential buyers.

Step 3: Market Your Open House

Once your home is staged and ready to go, it’s time to spread the word about your open house. Start by creating eye-catching marketing materials such as flyers and online listings that highlight your home’s key features and include plenty of high-quality photos. Be sure to include essential information such as the date, time, and location of the open house, as well as your contact information.

Utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote your open house to a wider audience. Consider creating a virtual tour or live video walkthrough of your home to give potential buyers a sneak peek before the event.

Additionally, don’t forget to put up signage in your neighbourhood to direct interested buyers to your open house. Clear, visible signs can help drive foot traffic and ensure that your event is well-attended.

Step 4: Be a Gracious Host

On the day of your open house, it’s essential to be welcoming and accommodating to potential buyers. Greet visitors with a smile, hand out property description sheets or brochures, and encourage them to explore the home at their leisure. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have about the property and provide information about nearby amenities, schools, and transportation options.

Consider offering light refreshments such as bottled water and cookies to make visitors feel comfortable and at home. However, be sure to remove any personal items or valuables from sight to protect your privacy and belongings.

Make sure that when you greet your guests you collect their name, phone number and email address so that way you can follow up with them after the open house! This is probably the most important thing you can do!

Step 5: Follow Up with Attendees

After the open house concludes, be sure to follow up with attendees to gauge their level of interest and address any questions or concerns they may have. Send a thank-you email or note to everyone who attended, along with a link to your online listing or website for further information.

Within the following week, make personal phone calls to each attendee to discuss their thoughts on the property and see if they have any additional questions or feedback. This personal touch can help foster relationships with potential buyers and increase the likelihood of receiving offers on your home.

Bonus Ways to Market Your Open House

Letting the neighbours know about the Open House

A great way to market your open house is by letting all the neighbours know! The best people to help you find buyers are going to be your neighbours. They want to get the word out to as many great people as they can think of, because ultimately those people could potentially be their neighbours!

Hosting an Open House Block Party

If your open house happens to fall on the same date and time as other open houses in the neighbourhood, get in touch with those open house hosts and suggest throwing an open house block party. 

Some open house block party ideas could include offering refreshments or having a charity barbecue! You could even get a face painter, corn hole games or a clown. The options are truly endless and the ultimate goal is to attract as many prospective buyers as you can to your house or listing!

You can also co-host the open house block party and share the marketing expense as well as any other expenses

You’re on your way to being an Open House Super Star!

In summary, hosting a successful open house requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. By following these essential steps and must-dos, you can attract potential buyers, make a positive impression, and ultimately sell your home quickly and at the best possible price. Good luck!

Remember, if you have any questions or need assistance with hosting your open house, don’t hesitate to reach out to a real estate professional or seek advice from experienced homeowners who have been through the process before. With the right guidance and preparation, you can host an open house that is sure to impress buyers and lead to a successful sale.