HOW TO ENTERTAIN WITH OPEN HOUSE TIPS
Who doesn’t love to visit open houses?
For some, it’s a Saturday field trip.
For one grandma, it was her way of entertaining her precocious three-year-old grandson (which is why I never serve iced cookies).
Most sellers are not opposed to offering an open house (for curious neighbors).
But not my seller, “Joanie”.
Joanie’s explanation was perfect, and it stuck with me.
In Joanie’s opinion, an open house is open to anyone, with no vetting process and free rein in her home.
For her, a scheduled showing is like making a reservation days in advance at a favorite restaurant.
I have seen the best and the worst of strangers in someone else’s home.
As Realtors, we all have our stories ( so do sellers).
But it turns out the tips for prepping your home for a showing are similar to entertaining friends and family.
I know right! Who knew that strategies for preparing your home for a showing are similar to those for hosting a Friday happy hour, football, or hockey game!
HOSTING IDEAS
LIGHTING When hosting, turn on the lights! Lighting warms the space and eliminates dim corners for guests.
2. TOILET SEATS Get in the habit of shutting the toilet lid. Every bathroom should have a closed toilet seat.
3. SHUT THE DOORS, I suggest shutting hallway doors. If you want to dress up your interiors, get in the habit of shutting doors (and toilet lids)
4. FAMILY PHOTOS Edit the number of family photos on your walls and hallways. Instead, group a few on one table for guests to view. It is better to group photos than to scatter them around the house. Less is more!
5. HAND TOWELS Add fresh hand towels or keep a reserved set under the sink.
Hand towels should be fluffy and soft, and not wadded up around the towel bar.
I remind sellers to buy hand towels just for showings (or parties).
6. Set one table (kitchen or dining). Add place settings and cloth napkins. It keeps us from dropping the mail on the dining room table (before a showing or a summer BBQ).
REMOVE ELECTRONICS Remove electronics from the countertops! Guilty! It’s only when my husband hauls his computer to the kitchen counter that I protest.
But I am guilty of this in the early morning hours when I scroll news feeds.
Clean the sink. I added a white ceramic rectangular tray to keep the soap brush, dish soap, and one of these next to the kitchen faucet. I added a small plastic bucket to corral the kitchen cleaning supplies. I do the same for bathrooms.
Open the blinds and windows. There is nothing worse than a stuffy house! If you are trying to hide a not-so-great view, check out this suggestion.
What is on your pre-entertaining checklist?
What are your thoughts on open houses versus scheduled showings?
Thank you for stopping by for today’s Tuesday Tip!
Please email me your tips for future Tuesdays!
