Rather than interested buyers scheduling a time with a realtor to tour a property, an open house allows anyone to drop by, get information about the house, and have their questions answered. These events don’t just happen out of thin air, however. They take a bit of planning and strategy to make them successful. If you are looking to sell your Round Rock real estate, follow these open house tips for sellers for a smashing event.
Meet with a real estate agent to map out a strategy
The first step is to set up a time to meet with a real estate agent. After your home is listed, the two of you will determine what date for the open house works best. Well before the date, the agent will work hard to advertise your event to buyers’ agents and to the general public. They’ll prepare as much pertinent information as possible about your property so that it can be on hand while prospective buyers are touring it.
Could you handle all of this on your own? You certainly could. But most sellers find using an agent to sell their home is preferred. A seasoned real estate agent is a marketing whiz and will be able to advertise your event through the right channels. They’ve been a part of countless open houses and can let you know what works and what doesn’t. It’s also important to mention that the numbers show that folks who have an agent sell their homes will have more money in their pocket at closing. This is why Bankrate reports that 86% of sellers employ the skills of a realtor. The commission that is paid to the agent off the top of the sale price is more than made up for by the difference in what you’ll make selling on your own as opposed to listing with a pro.
Could you handle all of this on your own? You certainly could. But most sellers find using an agent to sell their home is preferred. A seasoned real estate agent is a marketing whiz and will be able to advertise your event through the right channels. They’ve been a part of countless open houses and can let you know what works and what doesn’t. It’s also important to mention that the numbers show that folks who have an agent sell their homes will have more money in their pocket at closing. This is why Bankrate reports that 86% of sellers employ the skills of a realtor. The commission that is paid to the agent off the top of the sale price is more than made up for by the difference in what you’ll make selling on your own as opposed to listing with a pro.
Preparing your home for the event will take some effort, but will be well worth it
Now that the date is set, your real work will begin. You will need to get your home in the best shape you’ve ever seen it in. This will require some listmaking and some elbow grease.
First, list all the cosmetic items that should be completed before anyone tours the house. Fresh paint is great, and so are clean carpets and rugs.
Next, make a list of all the deferred maintenance items that you’ve been putting off. Loose hinges, cracked window panes, and more can really detract a potential buyer’s attention from the finer points of the home you’re trying to sell.
Once the items from both lists are completed, you’ll be ready to have the home deep cleaned. It’s recommended that you use a professional cleaning service for this task. They will have the experience and equipment to really make your home shine. Of course, it will be up to you to keep it clean and decluttered until your home sells.
First, list all the cosmetic items that should be completed before anyone tours the house. Fresh paint is great, and so are clean carpets and rugs.
Next, make a list of all the deferred maintenance items that you’ve been putting off. Loose hinges, cracked window panes, and more can really detract a potential buyer’s attention from the finer points of the home you’re trying to sell.
Once the items from both lists are completed, you’ll be ready to have the home deep cleaned. It’s recommended that you use a professional cleaning service for this task. They will have the experience and equipment to really make your home shine. Of course, it will be up to you to keep it clean and decluttered until your home sells.
Don’t forget to make your home look its best from the curb!
While getting the interior up to par is essential, you want to remember to make the outside look its best. The first impression any potential buyer will get of your home is based on what they see from the sidewalk. And first impressions go a long way!
Keep the lawn neatly trimmed and edged. Be sure to thoroughly walk around the property just before the open house, removing any debris or clutter that might have accumulated.
Inspect the exterior of the house to make sure that the siding doesn’t need to be cleaned, window trims are in tip-top shape, and any other item that might need attention.
Keep the lawn neatly trimmed and edged. Be sure to thoroughly walk around the property just before the open house, removing any debris or clutter that might have accumulated.
Inspect the exterior of the house to make sure that the siding doesn’t need to be cleaned, window trims are in tip-top shape, and any other item that might need attention.
Consider a professional home stager
A home stager decorates and furnishes a home for sale, appealing to the neutral taste of most buyers. These professionals will walk through your home first, then give you tips on how to best depersonalize it. Most buyers will want to see themselves in a home they are interested in purchasing, and it’s easier to do so if your personal effects are minimal.
Next, they’ll strategize how to best rearrange your furniture and decor to be aesthetically pleasing. A true pro home stager will have a lot of furnishings and decor of their own, which they use to accent what you have. In cases where you are selling a vacant home, they will partially furnish the place to look neutrally lived in.
Next, they’ll strategize how to best rearrange your furniture and decor to be aesthetically pleasing. A true pro home stager will have a lot of furnishings and decor of their own, which they use to accent what you have. In cases where you are selling a vacant home, they will partially furnish the place to look neutrally lived in.
Let your realtor be the point person during the event
Your home looks fresh, well-maintained, and perfectly arranged for your open house. So, what do you do next? Nothing! According to experts, you should refrain from being a part of the actual event. If you plan to sell your Round Rock real estate, leave before the event starts and stay away until it has concluded. Here’s why.
Buyers tend to feel more relaxed if the owner of the home isn’t on site. The owner can make some buyers feel pressured, whether you intend to or not. It’s tempting to be there to answer questions about the property and lead personal tours. Just remember that these are the very things you have commissioned a real estate professional to do. A good realtor will know your home inside and out and effectively answer any questions or concerns your guest might have that day.
Buyers tend to feel more relaxed if the owner of the home isn’t on site. The owner can make some buyers feel pressured, whether you intend to or not. It’s tempting to be there to answer questions about the property and lead personal tours. Just remember that these are the very things you have commissioned a real estate professional to do. A good realtor will know your home inside and out and effectively answer any questions or concerns your guest might have that day.
The next step
When you decide to list your home for sale, you’ll want the experience and professionalism of agents with proven track records of representing sellers. The agents at Greater Austin Realty have spent years honing the skills it takes to market your home and get you the most for your dollar. Contact the team today to get started!
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
