All the work you’ve done up to this point to sell your home could be for nothing if you aren’t able to set the right stage for the open house.

Home buyers are typically more emotional and less rational when purchasing a home. Which is why it’s so important that you nail the open house!

Here’s a 4-step guide to help ensure your open house takes you to the championship!

Step 1: Online Introduction

We’ve said it many times and we’ll say it again- professional photography is your best friend when it comes to selling your house and attracting buyers. Check out the two images below. One is a photo taken with a smartphone and the other is a professional photo.

Now be honest, if you were in the market for a home, which photo would catch your eye first?

If you really want to stand out, include a virtual or 360-video tour of your home. This will help buyers to get a true feel for the space.

Work with your real estate agent to create an appealing online profile for your home. Selling a house is like online dating; if a buyer doesn’t like the online profile, they most likely won’t attend the open house. Most buyers start their search on the internet, so you need to have a professional presentation online.

An experienced real estate agent– like those certified by AdvantageU Home Sellers’ Resource – can help you post and market the perfect profile for your home. Your realtor should post your home’s profile in as many places as possible. Make sure your house is listed in the multiple listing service (MLS) as well as on all major real estate portals. Finally, ask your agent if they offer Single Property websites, those can be powerful and are a great place to post details about your open house.

Step 2: Welcoming Atmosphere

As the home buyer approaches your property, make sure there is a welcoming atmosphere as they drive up.

Here are a few tips:

• Don’t be there. Let your real estate agent manage the open house. It can feel uncomfortable for the home buyer if the home seller is present.
• Have an eye-catching open house sign with balloons or other props to grab attention. To really set yourself apart, create a welcome sign (like the example below) to hang on your front door. This will give off positive vibes as the home buyer is entering the house.

• Make sure the heating or air conditioning is on (if you have it and if the weather is appropriate). Have somewhere for folks to take off their coats and shoes. You could even provide the shoe covers that painters use so the buyer doesn’t have the hassle of removing their shoes.

These are all simple things you can do to make a home buyer feel welcome and set your listing apart from the competition.

Step 3: Pleasing Aesthetics

Once the door opens, you want to make sure the space feels welcoming, clean and odor free.

Houses for sale should be minimally furnished. If it’s overcrowded with furniture, pictures and other personal items, it may be hard for potential buyers to see the home’s features. The goal should be to position your house with a neutral and elegant design in mind; in other words, you want your home to appeal to as many buyers as possible. Staying neutral is the best way to make this happen.

Check out the articles below on tips for cleaning your house and ensuring that the interior will appeal to potential buyers.

Thinking of selling your home? Clean everything…Then clean it, again!

Simple, quick and inexpensive interior tips to prepare your home for sale

In addition to the aesthetics of the home, think about the atmosphere and overall experience. Maybe have some fresh cookies and milk available for snacking? A cheese plate and some wine could be an added upscale touch as well. It doesn’t cost much, and home buyers will be sure to remember the experience they had when touring your home.

Step 4: The Goodbye

It’s a great idea to have a takeaway for the potential home buyer so they remember your property once they leave. A brochure is smart but it’s not anything that will set you apart from the 10 other brochures they received that day.

It can be something as simple as a goody bag with a mini water bottle, gum and chocolates or healthy snack. You can position it as an open house survival kit to bring some lightness and humor. Make sure you stick your home brochure in the goody bag too!

If you are in the market to sell your home in the next year, be sure to download the AdvantageU® Ultimate Home Sellers’ Checklist. It’s chockfull of helpful tips and strategies regarding the home selling process.