Any tips for getting property ready for open house?

newtothis141414

As the title says really... So far I've de cluttered, cleaned, cut the hedges and tidied the front and back garden. I've read about removing signs of pets, which I'll do on the day (bar the floor to ceiling cat tree, not much I can do about that one).

Any more ideas?

Guest101

Open house days don't work in this country for the most part, I fail to see why this model is being introduced.


Advice: don't get your hopes up to much with this, you may get 1 or 2 people, at least from what I've seen.

newtothis141414

Maybe not in your area, but in mine they do. Our neighbours had an open day, and there were 32 viewers. Ended up with seven offers. Worth a shot.

Guest101

newtothis141414 wrote: »

Maybe not in your area, but in mine they do. Our neighbours had an open day, and there were 32 viewers. Ended up with seven offers. Worth a shot.

Think about this:


If you get 32 viewers on a random day and 7 offers - why are you not inundated with viewings now? Why is your estate agent not beating them back with a stick

marksoton

Bake bread. Because Kirsty said so.

scottishblondie

Guest101 wrote: »

Open house days don't work in this country for the most part, I fail to see why this model is being introduced.


Advice: don't get your hopes up to much with this, you may get 1 or 2 people, at least from what I've seen.

I would hazard a guess that it's probably because it is easier for the EA if they can get a load of viewers in the door in one go rather than arranging individual viewings. I suppose it also cuts down on hassle for the vendor, as they don't feel the pressure to keep the place clean and tidy all the time in case of viewings being arranged.

fairy_lights

If not freshly baked bread and brewed coffee, at least make sure the house smells clean. I've viewed houses where I've walked in to the bedroom and been hit by the smell of sweaty bedsheets - it's the sort of thing that sticks in your mind afterwards.
Maybe wash the windows too to maximise light?

vuvuzela

Guest101 wrote: »

Think about this:


If you get 32 viewers on a random day and 7 offers - why are you not inundated with viewings now? Why is your estate agent not beating them back with a stick

Maybe their agent has told them to go for an open house as they can't be bothered with the admin and effort of having individual viewings, therefore hasn't organised any except for this one day...
Personally I don't like them and it wouldn't be the route I took if selling, but I've heard anecdotal stories of them being effective sometimes.

vuvuzela

newtothis141414 wrote: »

As the title says really... So far I've de cluttered, cleaned, cut the hedges and tidied the front and back garden. I've read about removing signs of pets, which I'll do on the day (bar the floor to ceiling cat tree, not much I can do about that one).

Any more ideas?

Remove all valuables, remove all breakable objects, particularly on a low level - people will bring their kids. If there are nice carpets, don't be afraid to ask people to remove their shoes. Maybe have a bowl of crisps / snacks / biscuits or something out.

Guest101

vuvuzela wrote: »

Maybe their agent has told them to go for an open house as they can't be bothered with the admin and effort of having individual viewings, therefore hasn't organised any except for this one day...
Personally I don't like them and it wouldn't be the route I took if selling, but I've heard anecdotal stories of them being effective sometimes.

Indeed.


Also abused by BTL landlords who offer reduced, 'quick sale' 'cash' purchases, opportunistic thieves and nosey people.


There's no vetting of buyers and generally leaves the vendor with no idea which offer is actually best.

newtothis141414

Thanks - will wash windows, house should smell ok anyway but I'll give it a mop just before we head out.

Valuables are hidden away (what little we have!) and I can't see anyone smuggling a tv out unseen.

As with anything, there are things to be said for and against open houses. We both work full time, have an energetic toddler and I'm 18 weeks pregnant, so having a break from the normal viewings and keeping the house up to standard for a week while the open house has been organised/marketed was a nice break. I think one of the things that works for open houses is people seeing the demand. Yes, it may attract some nosy nellies but our second viewing was someone I'm pretty sure lives a road over and is a busy body. Even the agent said later he seemed like a nosy neighbour.

Anyway, like them or not, I think it's worth a shot. We'll continue on with the normal viewings if this isn't successful. Thanks again for the tips.