Why you should host an open house

Open houses are easy to do and if they’re advertised properly, they usually bring in a small crowd of eager people on the hunt for their new home.

Some real estate agents love them, others see them as a waste of time, but it’s hard to deny that an open house is a great way to show your home to potential buyers. Buying a home is a huge decision for a lot of people, and a quick tour with an agent might not be enough to seal the deal. An open house lets buyers take their time and imagine themselves living in their potential new home. Open houses are easy to do and if they’re advertised properly, they usually bring in a small crowd of eager people on the hunt for their new home.

For buyers, the best thing about an open house is that they don’t have to make an appointment to see your home. They can drop by at their convenience and take their time evaluating the different features that your home offers. Everyone wants to find their dream home, and by having an open house, you’re a big step closer to finding someone that will fall in love with yours. The real estate market is super competitive and anything you can do to stand out is an advantage.

You might be worried that a lot of nosy people will just want to look through your house. There will probably be some, but even those people can unexpectedly see potential in your home and make an offer. Most of the visitors to your open house will be people who are actively looking for a home, and want to take the time to see yours.

If you've decided that you do want to have an open house, it’s time to get prepared. You want to make sure your home is as clean and organized as possible. Homes that are messy can be a red flag to potential buyers, because it shows that the home may not have been well cared for, and there may be a lot of cleaning and work to be done. You want your home to look move-in-ready so you can demand top dollar.

Your open house might be successful, or it might not be, but it really doesn't hurt to try. It will only take a few hours of your time to prepare and a little bit of clean up after. It can be very helpful to put up some flyers in your neighbourhood and a small ad in the newspaper to maximize the turn out to your open house.