Creating the perfect first impression during an open house is key to capturing buyers’ interest. Here’s how to set up your home for a successful viewing.
1. Adjust the Temperature
Temperature plays a big role in first impressions. Set the air conditioning or heating to a comfortable level so visitors walk into a cool home on hot days or a warm, welcoming space in cold weather.
2. Walk Through Your Home as a Buyer
Take a fresh look at your home from a buyer's perspective. Walk through each room to identify clutter and see which features stand out. Aim to highlight your home’s best qualities. Invite a style-savvy friend for a final walkthrough to give additional feedback on any final touches.
3. Make It Spotless
A pristine home is essential for open day. Clear everyday clutter, shoes in the hallway, papers on desks, and toys. Prospective buyers love to inspect every detail, so clean inside the oven and tidy up closets. For added security, store any small valuables out of sight.
4. Be Flexible with Viewing Times
Your agent will typically arrange a main viewing time, but it helps to stay flexible for unexpected requests. Keeping your home tidy allows you to accommodate potential buyers at short notice, which could make a difference in attracting your ideal buyer.
5. Use the Opportunity to Step Out
While it’s natural to want to see how the viewing goes, it's best to leave during an open house. Buyers feel more at ease and can openly share thoughts with each other and the agent if you’re not around. Don’t forget to take your pets with you for a truly distraction-free experience.
6. Utilise Feedback
After each open home, your agent will provide feedback from viewers. Use this insight to refine your approach, whether it’s adjusting the price range, enhancing marketing efforts, or making small cosmetic changes. This input will help keep your property competitive and appealing.
With these steps, you’ll create a welcoming environment that makes potential buyers feel at home from the moment they walk in.
Next step: Thinking about improvements before you list? See how we manage renovating before selling without overcapitalising.
