Done right, an open house is one of the most compelling ways to move serious buyers forward on a property. A good open house makes a lasting impression that can bring people back even if they've looked at dozens of other options. 

Naturally, though, there is some risk – a bad open house can chase qualified buyers away!

It takes time and experience to get the knack of holding a terrific open house. Still, there are some basic mistakes you can avoid to make your odds of success that much better. Follow these tips and you won't find yourself groaning "Why a career in real estate?"

1. Skimping on Professional Staging
   There's a reason why fresh-baked cookies in the living room have grown to the status of a real estate cliché: Staging works. Professional staging can take months off the time that a home is on the market, even if it is a depressed market or has challenges of its own. In general, not staging means less attractive homes are moving faster and at a better price than yours.
   
   
2. No "Reminders" to Take Home
   Many would-be buyers look at several properties each week. They are bound to forget yours within a few days unless they have a great reason. Each open house attendee should get an information packet including high-quality photos. These marketing packets tend to hang around in buyers' homes and may motivate them to take a second look at the property.
   
   
3. No Professional Photos
   You're already giving out photos, so strive to be sure they're as good as they can be. Another bonus to professional photos is that you can use them online and share them on social media. With so many people browsing home listings on the Web, truly compelling photos will help your open house event stand out. You could find yourself doubling your attendance.
   
   
4. Going Easy on Cleaning
   Before the first open house, it's time to do as much cleaning as you can. For pet owners, that means steam cleaning the carpets, drapes, and upholstery – and making sure Fido or Fluffy is on vacation the day of the event. Shift "stuff" out of closets and into storage as much as possible, emptying them about halfway. This makes it look like there's lots of storage space.
   
   
5. Not Doing the Yard Work
   Curb appeal is vital to any sale, but it's particularly important in an open house. After looking at your beautiful photos, attendees will want to know that the real thing lives up to the image. A messy yard gives the opposite impression, leaving visitors with the feeling that it'll be a lot of work to maintain. A manicured yard is a big part of what draws many people to buy a home.
   
   
6. Not Giving Buyers Enough Lead Time
   Buyers need time to decide they're going to make your open house a priority. In addition to online marketing, you should be sure the local area has plenty of bright, legible signage. Start at least two weeks in advance so prospects can absorb your message over two weekends. Time your event for a weekend, either at the beginning or end of the day, for maximum impact.

BHHS Homesale Realty to Learn the Dos and Don'ts of Hosting an Open House

They say that experience is the best teacher, but who has time for a dozen open houses to flop before they start seeing real results? Join BHHS Homesale Realty and we'll accelerate your path to the real estate success you've dreamed of. Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to get started today.