For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Real Estate  

Obviously the OPEN HOUSE is a very important aspect of selling your home and one should always take a common sense approach. In planning this event we know the senses play an important part of all we do. If you follow a few simple rules, having a successful open house is easier than you thought possible.

Its not always possible, but if you can plan
it for a bright sunny day, it always is certainly a plus. Statistics prove that the average person is usually in a better mood to begin with, and the plus is the abundant natural light streaming into the rooms.

SIGHT
Number one in the arsenal of the senses. Abundant light allows the prospective buyer to see the (nooks and crannies) so to speak. If for some reason natural light is not possible, turn on all the lights. This is a rain or shine rule! Also in the sight category make sure the yard is mowed, shrubs clipped, and any unnecessary clutter is removed. For example, bikes, toys, tools, hoses and the like. Sweep the driveway! Driving up to a messy ungroomed yard is a possible turn off. Dont forget the garage, an organized clean garage gives an appearance of more space.

SMELL
Next and often over looked the sense of smell. The minute someone walks through the door it hits them. Offensive odors can sometimes turn people off! Cigarette smoke is the number one offender. Non smokers as a rule, will always be turned off. Empty all ash trays, dry, and put them away. The first step through the door should be into a clean, fresh, home with pleasant odors. Some people boil cinnamon sticks or potpouri to achieve this. To list a few offensive odors, wet dog smell, cat litter, cooking fish, broccoli, cabbage and the like should be avoided and or eliminated. Light pleasantly scented candles or maybe use a deodorant spray a few minutes before people arrive.

TOUCH
No one likes grabbing a dirty greasy door knob, cabinet handle, or the like. Running ones hand over a dusty counter top or any thing else could trigger negative thoughts about the way the home has been maintained. Clean!Clean!Clean!

SOUND
Another thing to remember, avoid loud music and TV playing, people come to communicate not to be entertained. Children should be playing quietly in their rooms at a sitters or at grandmas house.

The following are a conglomerate of suggestions involving one or more of the senses including common sense. Remove as many as possible objects from kitchen counters this accentuates counter space. Avoid decals and over decorating on kitchen cabinets, clean the sinks, take out the garbage, empty the dish washer. Remove excessive magnets from the fridge. In the baths, make sure toilets, sinks, showers and tubs are clean. Put out fresh towels and again avoid over decorating. The kitchen and baths are the number one selling point in the majority of home sales. Putting extra effort here could sell your home. In general pick up toys and games. Avoid excessive pictures and knick knacks as people want to envision the home as they would decorate it.

If its hot turn on the air conditioning if its cold the heat.

Finally give people time and space nobody likes to be rushed or crowded and body language speaks volumes. Having a succesful Open House could make the difference in selling your home.

Good luck and for any further information give us a call or email us.