For Sale by Owner Open House Ideas

Here are open house ideas to help you make your For Sale by Owner Open House warm, friendly and bustling; unlike the cold and dreary affairs real estate agents organize.

Open houses held by agents always seem to have an atmosphere of solemn desperation. The agent sits where he can see the front door and looks bored. He can't be bothered to get up and greet the visitor; he won't volunteer any information or advice unless asked.

It is debatable whether or not you need an open house at all. But if you decide you want to start your selling-your-home-yourself experience with one, then these open house ideas will help to make it a success.

Prepare Your House for Sale

First things first.  Before you even think about holding an open house, make sure you're house is properly staged, and prepared for selling.

If your house is a real fixer-upper, or overly unique, re-think the idea of having an open house.  You probably won't be bringing in the targeted buyer that you need through an open house.

Greeting New Arrivals

As visitors arrive at the door, let them know that you are pleased they came. Greet them as if they were your very special guests. Explain that you will walk them through first, answering questions as you go. After that they may spend as much time as they wish, on their own.

Try to be accomidating but not overbearing.  Feel out each visitor as if you were a server in a restaurant.  Some people will want more engagement with you than others.

Prepare and Distribute House Info Sheet

Once you have set a date for your open house, make copies of the feature sheet of your home, the home inspection report, the certificate of appraisal, and the lot plan (if available). Every visitor who seems seriously interested should leave with these papers.

But don't hand them out before you've given the tour. You don't want people to be distracted trying to read about room sizes and taxes while you are walking them through the house that you have so meticulously staged for this occasion.

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