When you’re selling your home, one step you’ll likely take is hosting an open house. An open house means more than just opening up the doors and letting potential buyers in — it’s a chance for you to let your home speak for itself. That means getting your home ready for the open house, whether that’s through cosmetic repairs or simply tidying up and taking down some pictures. 

Successful open houses lead to more interest and better offers, so it’s important to be well-prepared. Many sellers decide to work with a Realtor when selling their home for help with everything from listing to advice for preparing for an open house. But whether you decide to go with a Realtor or do it yourself, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind as you get ready for your open house. 

Ten tips for a successful open house

Getting ready for an open house means much more than just giving your house a once-over with the vacuum. Here are ten tips to keep in mind as you get ready for your open house.

Prepare your home. This means decluttering, cleaning, and making any necessary repairs. You want your home to look its best for potential buyers. Help buyers imagine themselves living in your home by removing as many personal belongings as possible. This includes everyday items, as well as personalized features like family photos. A clean and open space will make it easier for buyers to picture themselves making your home their own.

1. Stage your home. This means arranging your furniture and décor in a way that makes your home look inviting and spacious. You may also want to consider hiring a professional stager to help you.

2. Advertise your open house. An open house can only be successful if people come! Don’t rely on word of mouth, ads, or a sign outside to catch potential buyers’ attention. Promote your open house on social media, in local newspapers, and on real estate websites. You may also want to send out postcards or door hangers to your neighbors.

3. Choose a good time and day for your open house. Weekends are typically the best days for open houses, and avoid scheduling your open house during peak mealtimes or school hours. Sunday afternoons are typically the most popular time to have an open house as people tend to have less going on that day. You can also build excitement around your property by having an open house the first day it’s on the market. This can generate additional interest and prompt interested buyers to put in an offer more quickly.

4. Be welcoming to visitors. Greet visitors with a smile and offer them a welcome mat or slippers. Be prepared to answer their questions about your home and the neighborhood. However, don’t monopolize their attention — let them lead the conversation. If they just want to look around, let them. If they’ve got lots of questions, feel free to chat away!

5. Highlight the best features of your home. Point out any unique features or upgrades that your home has. You may also want to have a list of these features available for visitors to take.

6. Offer refreshments. Providing light snacks and drinks for your visitors can make them feel more comfortable and welcome in your home. It can be as simple as 

7. Follow up with visitors. After the open house, send thank-you notes to all of the visitors. You may also want to follow up with any potential buyers who seemed interested in your home.

8. Be patient. It may take some time to sell your home, even after a successful open house. Be patient and don't get discouraged.

9. Hire a qualified real estate agent. A good real estate agent can help you prepare your home for sale, market your open house, and negotiate on your behalf.

Here are some additional tips that can help you make your open house even more successful:

• Light a candle. There’s a reason that real estate agents use the chocolate-chip-cookie-scented spray: a comforting scent in the air draws people in and makes them feel more relaxed. Lighting a scented candle has the same effect. 

• Play soft music. Soft music can help to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere for your open house. Use a streaming service so your music isn’t interrupted.

• Use a sign-in app. This will help you to track how many people attended your open house and to get in touch with potential buyers afterwards. Alternatively, you can set out a pen and paper for the same purpose.

• Be prepared to answer questions. Visitors will likely have questions about your home and the neighborhood. Be prepared to answer these questions in a clear and concise way.

Can a Realtor help me with my open house?

Yes! While you do have the choice to go it alone, working with an experienced Realtor is almost always your best bet. If you’re selling a home in Hayward, Cable, or another town in the northwest area of Wisconsin, turn to the real estate agents at Northwest Wisconsin Realty. We know what sells, and we can help you make your house as ready as it can be for its open house. 

Not only do our Realtors work here, they live here, too. We’ve made our homes here, and we can help you find your home here as well — just tell us what you’re looking for. Whether you’re on the hunt for a grand home in Spooner or a cabin on Stone Lake, we’ll set you up with a house that’s right for you and your family. Get in touch with the real estate agents at Northwest Wisconsin Realty today and let us guide you through the process of selling your home, from start to finish. Let’s get your house ready to sell!