It's not enough today to simply hold an Open House.  Open House signs can be seen on most corners of most neighbourhoods throughout the year. When planning an Open House, you and your Sales Representative must plan for, not just an Open House but a successful Open House. Whether your home is in Georgetown,  Acton, Erin, Halton Hills, Norval, Ballinafad, Rockwood, Guelph or anywhere and whether your home is detached, a semi, a townhome, freehold or a condominium the process is the same for SUCCESS!

WHAT CAN THE SALES REPRESENTATIVE DO

• Ensure that the date selected is not in conflict with local events  
• Insert the Open House information into the MLS system
• Insert the Open House information on all available websites
• Advertise the Open House on the lawn sign as far in advance that week as possible
• Advertise in the Local paper
• Possibly distribute flyers throughout the neighbourhood in advance
• Arrive the day of the Open House about 15 minutes early to ensure the house is ready and they are set up for the start time

WHAT CAN THE HOME OWNER DO

• De-clutter...remove as much extra furniture and accents as possible (Staging is suggested)
• Make the entrance inviting...remove things from around the door and the front hallway (such as shoes) 
• Clean the house
• No cooking odours...unless it's a freshly baked apple pie or fresh brewed coffee!  If you want to serve treats, that is always a plus
• Odours...spray where necessary...remember the bathrooms
• Ensure pets are away or caged
• Plan to be out of the house...it's very difficult for people to inspect a home when the owners are at home
• Cut the lawn...trim and rake
• Tidy all walks and lanes
• If it's winter...shovel the drive and the walkways
• Beautify the gardens in season
• Add soft music where possible throughout the home (use the same channel throughout)
• Clean windows and glass
• Open the blinds
• Turn the lights on
• Clean up closets
• Clean bathroom exhaust fans and heating & cold air vents
• Fresh flowers on the table always show well
• Clean light fixtures
• Protect your valuables...lock up jewellry
• Depersonalize your home (put away the excess family photos)
• If it's winter...have summer photos of the house on display

Remember, the better the house shows, the stronger the impression made!

If You Are In The Georgetown, Acton or Erin area and are planning an Open House...I would be pleased to loan your Garage Sale Street Directional Signs. To request these signs please Click Here to e-mail me the dates required.

    Deborah Gilmore...Your Trusted Source For Anything Real Estate!