If your home is about to hit the market, an open house probably won’t be far behind. 

Whether you’re working with an agent or selling your home yourself, there are steps you can take to increasing the chance of moving it quickly and for a better price. One of the best tools at your disposal as an open house. A successful open house can draw multitudes of interested buyers to your doorstep. And of course, the more people who see your home, the more likely it is to sell.

Read on for eight helpful tips to hosting a flawless open house that’s sure to wow every visitor.

1. Promote your open house online. Not so long ago, open houses were advertised by placing an ad in the paper and posting a few signs around the area. But in today’s mobile, tech-driven world, more and more buyers rely on smartphone apps to find open houses when they’re out and about. According to 2017 data from the National Association of Realtors, a staggering 93 percent of homebuyers use the Internet in their search, and that makes listing your open house online critically important. Your agent can enter the open house details in the multiple listing service several days in advance of the event, or if you’re doing your own marketing, you’ll need to enter the listings yourself. And don’t forget to post it on popular social media networks like Facebook and Nextdoor. This exercise will pay off in the way of a faster, easier home sales cycle. After all, your house may be a gorgeous bargain, but you need to tell people about it.
2. Enhance your home’s curb appeal. When hosting an open house, you only get one brief chance to make a great impression. A shabby, run-down exterior is a surefire detractor, so get your house in tip-top shape prior to showtime. Spruce up the trim and front door with a fresh coat of paint. Cut the lawn, weed any flowerbeds and prune all shrubbery. Sweep the walkway and front porch. Consider purchasing a new mailbox, welcome mat, and house numbers if they’re looking worn. And be sure to remove any vehicles from your driveway and in front of your home.
3. Clean and declutter. It’s important that you present a pristine interior to potential buyers. Too much furniture and knickknacks make the space appear cramped, so start packing long before putting your home up for sale. Leaving it sparsely furnished and streamlined also allows potential buyers to easily see the best features of your residence. Get the carpets and windows thoroughly deep-cleaned, and consider hiring a professional house cleaning service to ensure a spotless, sparkling presentation.
4. Organize the cupboards, cabinets and drawers.Storage is a vital selling point of any property, so potential buyers are sure to check it out these spaces. Cluttered linen closets and disheveled kitchen cabinets make it appear that your home doesn’t have enough storage.
5. Add welcoming touches. On the day of your open house, it’s important to create an inviting vibe. Set out some vases of fresh cut flowers to add a splash of color and a pleasant fragrance. Let in as much light as possible by drawing back the curtains, opening the blinds, and turning on all light fixtures. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting—you don’t want your home to feel sweltering or chilly. Playing some soft background music will also enhance the overall ambience.
6.  Protect your valuables. Whether you’re hosting the open house yourself or are leaving it up to your realtor, you can’t be in every room with every visitor. Be smart and lock up any items that might be tempting to those with sticky fingers, such as jewelry, money, credit cards, purses, wallets, electronics, medication, liquor, and personal information.
7.  Remove pets and their ancillary items. For allergy sufferers, having a pet nearby can trigger unpleasant symptoms. Open houses can also become crowded and noisy, which can make some pets nervous. It’s best to leave your furry friends with a neighbor or family member during your event. Remove all of their bedding, toys, food dishes, and litter boxes, as well.
8.  Offer light refreshments. Serving snacks is a great way to encourage hungry visitors to stop and interact with you or your agent. Serve portable foods that are easy to grab and won’t make a mess, such as a finger sandwiches, protein bars, or a meat and cheese plate. Homemade cookies, brownies and cupcakes are also excellent options. Plus, the delightful aroma of these fresh baked goods will make your home feel cozy and appealing. Don’t forget to offer bottled water, soda, a pitcher of iced tea, or hot coffee.

No amount of pretty pictures on the Internet can replace seeing a home in person.

Holding an open house is a great way to get many potential buyers through the door so you can show off your elegant, picture-perfect property. The preparations can be time-consuming, but the end result will be well worth the effort.

For over 25 years, Certified Title has been providing home buyers and sellers across the nation with valuable tools to facilitate their transactions. If you’re seeking more helpful pointers for your open house, please contact our helpful, knowledgable team.

About Certified Title Corporation: Since 1994, attorney-owned Certified Title Corporation has been furnishing residential and commercial real estate stakeholders across the nation with robust title insurance, settlement, and escrow services. Renowned for their industry-leading reliability and exemplary level of service and quality, the Maryland-based company helps clients from all walks of life achieve their asset goals. To learn more, call (888)486-5511 or visit https://www.certifiedtitlecorp.com/.