{"id":369466,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:27","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/selling-your-home\/tips-for-holding-an-open-house.html"},"modified":"2025-01-06T17:22:09","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T22:22:09","slug":"tips-for-holding-an-open-house","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/selling-your-home\/tips-for-holding-an-open-house.html","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips for Hosting an Open House"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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10 Tips for Hosting an Open House<\/h1>\n
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\n By Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

An open house is a great way to increase your home’s exposure. It’s also a good way to reach out to buyers who might not otherwise find your house in the real estate market<\/a>. Whether you have a real estate agent or are doing the home sale yourself, here are 10 homeowner tips to get your house ready to shine.<\/p>\r\n

Visit FindLaw’s guide to Selling Your Home<\/a> for more tips.<\/p>\r\n

1. Repair, Declutter, and Clean Your House<\/h2>\r\n

If you must finish any repairs<\/a>, do it before your open house. Explaining to potential buyers or buyers’ agents that you plan to fix your home isn’t good enough.<\/p>\r\n

Also, cleanliness is extremely important<\/a> because home buyers will judge your house based on its cleanliness. Besides basic cleaning and removing clutter, a fresh coat of paint can help to give your house a more polished look.<\/p>\r\n

If you have a pet, vacuum carpets and wipe down surfaces before guests arrive. Clear personal items, reduce pet dander, cut down on unwanted odor, and minimize potential allergic reactions.<\/p>\r\n

Finally, some people use house stagers to give their house a makeover<\/a>. Adding flowers, removing furniture, and hanging artwork can set the house above the competition and drive the home’s perceived value.<\/p>\r\n

2. Prepare Your Property Fact Sheet<\/h2>\r\n

The whole point of holding an open house is to let buyers see your home<\/a> and to let them know more about it. The asking price is only one factor in an ocean of many. So, you should prepare a property<\/a> fact sheet that outlines the house’s essential facts (square footage, number of rooms, etc.).<\/p>\r\n

Also, prepare a sign-in sheet<\/a> that allows people to leave their contact information and phone number. On open house day, make both documents available to people as they enter the house. Have copies available for people who might request them at another time.<\/p>\r\n

3. Prepare a List of Potential Buyer Questions and Your Answers<\/h2>\r\n

One key to a successful open house<\/a> is anticipating potential questions that buyers may have. Write down possible questions and then ask friends and family what they might want to know. Compile your list and prepare answers that you and your real estate agent<\/a> can review before the open house. The point isn’t to read them off a script but to have thought about potential questions beforehand.<\/p>\r\n

Be careful with your answers, though. If you’re moving because you’ve got children and the house isn’t big enough, it’s OK to explain that you want a larger house for your family. But don’t say your house is too cramped.<\/p>\r\n

Here are a few questions to get you started:<\/p>\r\n