How to Host a Great Open House

So I'm literally hosting an open house as I'm writing this and it
dawned on me that most FSBO sellers would love a few tips on how to manage an open house for themselves. It doesn't matter if you're selling your house
by owner, if you have it listed with a full service brokerage, or if
you have listed with a flat fee service such as WhatIf? Realty, holding
open houses can be essential to finding the buyer for your house. So I
thought I would compile a list of simple things you can do to make
your open house ROCK!

1. Bake some cookies. Not only is this a nice gesture and it gives
them something to munch on, but it also gives the house a nice
"homey" smell to it. Also try brewing coffee for added affect.

2. Have a guest book and ask each visitor to sign in. Get their name,
number, and email address and ask them if it\'s ok to stay in touch
with them. You might want to consider having a local Real Estate Agent
do the follow up though.

3. Have some nice cool tunes playing in the background. Having a
little "elevator music" can really add elegant touch to the
atmosphere.

4. Make up a showcase packet for the home. Include all the features
and unique qualities of the home. Also make sure that you have all HOA
fees on hand and include such information as local schools, nearest
grocery stores, pool/tennis availability, etc.

5. Properly advertise the open house. This can be accomplished on any
budget. Some good places to check out are Craigslist, Facebook,
Twitter, and of course local newspapers. If you have no clue about how
to use any of these programs just ask your kids; they’re bound to
know! Also, make sure that you start advertising far enough in
advance. Usually a week is plenty.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN! If you're having fun it will be
infectious. Make some friends! Have some cookies! How could you not
have fun?!