An open house is a fantastic way to showcase your home, allowing potential buyers to view the property without the need for private showings. It also provides an opportunity for buyers’ agents to assess your home for their clients. Despite changing real estate trends, open houses remain a popular marketing tool, with nearly half of all buyers (48%) attending them during their home search.

However, hosting a successful open house requires careful preparation. If not done correctly, you might drive away potential buyers and agents, keeping your home on the market longer. Here are some tips to ensure your open house leaves a lasting impression and attracts serious offers.

1. Keep Your Realtor On-Site at All Times

Your agent should stay at the property throughout the open house to monitor visitors and engage with them, ensuring the home is secure and promoting its features.

Why this works:

A present agent can provide valuable insights to buyers, enhancing their experience and interest in the property.

2. Avoid Candles and Room Sprays

While pleasant scents are important, overpowering fragrances from candles or room sprays can drive buyers away. Opt for a neutral, clean smell achieved through proper cleaning.

Why this works:

Fresh air is more appealing and less likely to trigger allergies or headaches, ensuring buyers spend more time viewing your home.

3. Declutter Your Home

Decluttering and staging should be done before listing your property. Remove family mementos, photos, and personal items that could distract buyers. Tidy each room to create a clean, inviting space that allows buyers to focus on the home’s features.

Why this works:

Clutter-free homes allow buyers to envision themselves living there without being distracted by your personal belongings.

4. Drop Your Pets Off at Daycare

Pets can be a distraction or cause allergies for potential buyers. Arrange for your pets to stay at daycare or with friends during the open house.

Why this works:

Removing pets ensures a stress-free environment for buyers and agents, making the home more welcoming.

5. Make Sure Your Agent Has Updated Fact Sheets

Provide your agent with a detailed fact sheet about the home’s features and updates. This information helps answer buyers’ questions and highlights the property’s best aspects.

Why this works:

Well-informed agents can confidently showcase the home, addressing buyers’ queries and emphasizing its strengths.

6. Make People Want to Stay in Your Home

Create a welcoming atmosphere with soft background music, snacks, and beverages. Consider setting up a movie for kids to keep them entertained while their parents tour the home.

Why this works:

A comfortable environment encourages buyers to stay longer, increasing their connection to the property and likelihood of making an offer.

7. Alert Your Neighbors

Inform your neighbors about the open house to prevent parking issues and potential disruptions. Cooperative neighbors can even help generate interest in the property.

Why this works:

Smooth logistics and a supportive community create a positive experience for buyers.

8. Remove Yourself From the House

Your presence can make buyers uncomfortable. Leave the home during the open house to give buyers the freedom to explore and discuss the property openly.

Why this works:

Buyers can speak freely about their thoughts and visualize changes without feeling pressured by the homeowner’s presence.

9. Clarify What Your Realtor Can Communicate

Discuss with your agent how to handle sensitive questions about why you are selling. This prevents buyers from making assumptions that could lead to lowball offers.

Why this works:

Proper communication helps maintain the home’s perceived value and keeps the negotiation process favorable.

10. Ask Your Agent How They Will Market Your Home

Discuss your agent’s open house marketing strategies to ensure they are attracting a significant number of potential buyers.

Why this works:

Effective marketing is crucial to draw in buyers and maximize the open house’s impact.

11. Ask for Feedback from Buyers and Real Estate Agents

Provide feedback forms or a tablet for visitors to share their thoughts on the home. Use this feedback to make necessary improvements and address concerns.

Why this works:

Constructive feedback helps you understand buyers’ perspectives and make your home more appealing.

12. Evaluate the Results With Your Real Estate Agent

After the open house, review attendance and feedback with your agent. Assess the effectiveness of the event and adjust your strategy if needed.

Why this works:

Continuous evaluation ensures your marketing efforts are on track and helps identify areas for improvement.

13. Clean Everything

Hire a deep cleaning service or spend the day before the open house thoroughly cleaning your home. Ensure the space is spotless, as dirt and grime can deter buyers and give the impression of a poorly maintained property.

Why this works:

A clean home is inviting and gives buyers confidence that the property is well-cared for, eliminating unpleasant odors and creating a positive first impression.

14. Create Video Walkthroughs

Conduct thorough video tours of properties and post them with your listings to add credibility and intrigue.

Why this works:

Video tours give potential buyers a better understanding of the layout, size, and overall feel of a property, saving time for both agents and clients.

15. Partner with Local Businesses

Collaborate with local boutiques, showrooms, and coffee shops to promote listings and organize open house events with pop-up shops.

Why this works:

Local partnerships encourage potential buyers to explore each room and build brand recognition within the community.

Apply These Tips for an Open House With an Experienced Agent

As a home seller, preparing your house is crucial, but it’s your Realtor’s job to bring in buyers. Make sure your agent has experience hosting successful open houses and trust their expertise to market your property effectively. By following these tips and working with a knowledgeable agent, you can create a memorable open house that attracts serious buyers and leads to a successful sale.