Most people realize, in most instances, one of the weapons, in the arsenal, and plan, for selling and marketing a house, is conducting an Open House. However, if all it took, was doing so, why would any homeowner need the services and representation of a professional real estate agent? For those, who have ever attended more than one of these, you will probably agree, the experience, and impact, often varies significantly, and dramatically! The reality is, it’s not only about having Open Houses, but how they are performed, and focused! With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, what this means, requires, and involves, and why it matters.

1. Marketing, promoting: If they don’t come, it doesn’t matter, regardless of how the rest of the process, is performed! How will you attract the maximum number of qualified, potential, home buyers, unless/ until, you carefully examine and consider, your options and alternatives, and your niche market, for the particular property? Where, and how will you promote, and market the Open House? Some methods, to be used, include: a) personally, calling as many local real estate offices, as possible, as well as sending the office, an informative, inspiring fact – sheet/ information, to differentiate your listing, from the rest – of – the – pack; b) at least for the first weekend, use a local paper, with wide, relevant distribution, and good potential for results; c) extensive Internet marketing and promotion (free and paid); d) Social Media marketing (targeted); quality signs. etc. The first weekend, you should consider, having an Open House, both on Saturday and Sunday. A good schedule is having one, each weekend, for the next 3 weeks, if the house, is still, on the market/ available, and then, one, every other weekend, until it’s sold!

2. Curb Appeal: What will be the first impression, when potential buyers, approach the house? Make sure the house, is neat, clean, clutter – free, etc.

3. First look inside: What will be the first impression, when a potential buyer, enters the house? Is the home, free of distractions, odors, etc? Would this particular home, benefit from staging?

4. Agent’s conduct: How does an agent’s conduct himself, at the event? Is he welcoming, receptive, enlightening, and ready, to answer any questions, and address concerns? How might a quality real estate agent, balance, giving a potential buyer, space, and being proactive? Beware of a distracted agent, who is there, in body, but not in effectiveness, etc!

The success, and value of any Open House, depends on a combination, of attracting a significant number of potential, qualified buyers, and addressing, how to best, show the house, to its best advantage. Who a homeowner hires, to represent him, really does matter!