Making the Most of Open Houses; Tips for Sellers and Buyers

Spring means open house season is upon us! Open houses create opportunities for both sellers to showcase their homes and for buyers to envision their futures. Whether you're looking to sell your property quickly or searching for your dream home, here's my top tips on how to make the most of these open-door events.

For Sellers: Present Your Home in Its Best Light

Invest in professional cleaning and preparation. A deep clean and a fresh coat of paint from professionals creates an immediate impression of a well-maintained home. The best scent is no scent, and the second-best scent is fresh paint! 

Stage strategically. Remove personal photos and focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere with neutral decor and staging to help buyers imagine themselves in the space. Even if you have great taste, contemporary mass appeal is the best bet to engage the largest buyer pool!

Declutter closets, cupboards, and storage areas. Buyers will open everything, and crowded storage spaces make your home appear to lack adequate space. Aim for as little clutter as possible.

Secure your valuables. Buyers will explore every corner of your property. Store important documents, jewelry, medications, and other valuables offsite during the entire selling process, not just during open houses.

Make yourself scarce. Buyers feel more comfortable exploring and discussing the property openly when the owner isn't present. Plan for you and your pets to be away during showings.

For Buyers: Shop With Purpose

Ask Away. Most open houses will have a printed informational sheet with the basic information on the property available for your reference, but don’t hesitate to ask additional questions about the neighborhood, why the owners are selling, or quirks you see in the home. 

Observe the neighborhood. Drive around before or after to get a feel for the community and check out the proximity to schools, shopping, and other amenities on your phone’s maps app.

Look beyond aesthetics. The home’s layout and location should be your primary focus. Let cosmetics take a back seat to these priorities and focus instead on any signs of structural or water damage that might require further scrutiny. 

Take notes and photos. Document features you like and concerns you have about each property to review later. Rate the property on a scale of 1-10. If it rates a 7 or higher, it’s probably worth a private showing with your agent. 

Don't rush your decision. If you're interested, schedule a private showing right away to explore more thoroughly without the open house crowds.

Open houses provide valuable opportunities for both parties when approached with preparation and purpose. For sellers, they're a chance to make a memorable first impression; for buyers, they're stepping stones toward finding the perfect home.