Conducting an open house

Please note that I describe the process as though you are selling the house on your own. If you choose to accept the help of a real estate professional like me, I will take care of most of these things and guide you through the things that you need to do.

Post 'Open house' signs in the yard and intersections

Although 'For Sale' signs are rarely seen by the eventual buyer, it helps potential buyers locate the house on your street. And who knows, you will lucky and an interested buyer might see the sign and knock on the door.

Advertise in the local newspaper

Most people planning on visiting open houses in the afternoon check the Sunday paper to decide what properties they want to visit. Prominent real estate brokerages such as Prudential Preferred have reserved the most visible pages of the paper for their open houses. But there are pages in the 'Home Life' section of the Kalamazoo Gazette that displays homes for sale by owners and their open house hours.

Post flyers in places with people-traffic

This is a cheaper way of advertising. Sellers place flyers in public places where people tend to congregate.

Conduct a mailing campaign

Select an area where potential buyers of a home similar to yours are expected to live. For instance apartment complexes. Mail flyers out to the people of area or pay mailing companies to do the campaign for you.

Prepare copies of information sheets for visitors

It is standard practice to make available copies of flyers which detail key information about the house, as well as copies of disclosure statements. Be ready with adequate number of copies of these information sheets .

On the day of open house

Clean up the house one last time to make sure that it shows well. Send your family and pets off to the Mall. Dress professionally. Run the dehumidifier in the basement. To remove any unpleasant odors, many realtors sugges that you bake bread. Apparently the smell of freshly baked bread is the most inoffensive fragrance you can find. While you are at it, bake some cookies for your visitors as well.

Welcoming visitors

Welcome open house visitors as guests. Lead them through every portion of your house. Answer their questions. Give them copies of the information sheets. It is also common practice to ask them to sign a guestbook with their address and contact number. Some of them will not oblige you but most will. Before they leave, you may also ask them what they like or don't like about the house (although most visitors will find it hard to criticize a home in front of its owner>)

What next

After a day or two, it is common practice to give your visitors a follow up call. Ask them if they have any interest in your home or if they have any concerns you can address.