How to Plan an Open House

An open house is a great way to attract a buyer.

Hosting an open house allows prospective buyers to tour your home. To attract a buyer, get your house in top shape before the big day.

Instructions

Planning Your Open House

1. Prepare the inside of the home. Repaint the walls if necessary using neutral colors. Clean from top to bottom, including washing the windows, organizing any closets and scrubbing the floors. Eliminate clutter and remove personal items such as family photos and artwork. Use air freshener to neutralize odors.

2. Fix up the outside of the home. You may wish to repaint or wash the exterior of the house. Mow the lawn and make sure that the yard looks nice. Clean out the rain gutters and wash the windows.

3. Choose a date carefully - most open houses are held on Sunday afternoons. Be sure to pick a non-holiday weekend so that more people will be able to attend.

4. Advertise your open house. You can list the event in your local newspaper as well as online at websites such as Craigslist. You should also place an "Open House" sign on your lawn to attract prospective buyers as well as helping those who see your ad find the house.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace old house numbers if necessary.

• Try baking cookies or bread the day of the open house for an inviting effect.

References

• HGTV: How To Prepare for an Open House
• CNBC: How To Sell Your Home Without A Realtor