Planning an Open House

DMD Chicago Realty's model is to remove the middle man or woman when planning an open house. The way we see it, who knows your home better than you? However, there are some things you need to know to stage a successful open house.

Planning an Open House:

• First, when planning an open house make sure that the family has somewhere to go and something to do — you're showing the house, not the family.
• Sundays are good days and afternoons work best in most cases like, 1-5 PM.
• 2 hours length is the minimum; 4 hours are plenty.
• Weather reports are helpful if you can rely on them. Most homes show best on sunny days.
• Holidays are usually bad ideas — sure people are out but they're usually out to have fun.
• Whenever possible remove items not included with the house; a family chandelier is going with you so take it down or replace it with one that will show well but not break the bank.
• Be present but not overbearing; people want to know it's ok to come in but not be followed.
• Keep it quiet; leave off the TV and music. Let people interact with the house, not your tastes.
• Bite sized baked goods are good but leave off the alcohol and canned or bottle goods. You want people to look and see not eat and drink.
• Dress casually professional — you are showing the house and you want your image to be of a satisfied, successful and happy homeowner just like the client you're seeking.
• Safety matters; if you feel uncomfortable being alone then invite a friend and make sure that if they come in, they leave too!
• Stash the cash and the cache! People aren't buying the furniture but they've been known to open a drawer or admire a jewelry box. Don't risk it!
• Signage should lead people to your home, not just give an address. People looking at your neighborhood don't know how to get around. Don't lose a prospective client because they got lost.

Open House Etiquette:

• The front door should be open and the invitation to enter obvious. 'Open' means open to anyone.
• Meet people at the door but don't crowd them. Ask "Do you want me to show you around or would you like to walk through on your own and come back with any questions?" Then do what they ask!
• If they ask if you're the realtor say, 'I'm the homeowner, we're working with DMD Chicago Realty.'
• Don't let brokers 'network' at your house. If a broker is going through your house with their clients don't let them give their cards, chat with or in any other way solicit business at your open house. All of that will distract buyers from the business at hand — your home.
• Have a clean, obvious space with an open house sign in sheet or two for no waiting if it gets busy and a couple or so pens that work.
• Neighbors and friends are welcome so invite them. It's inviting to see a lot of people coming in, walking around and showing interest so tell others about it. They may become a buyer if they get interested (or a walking advertisement for your home) and if you've done a good job staging and organizing your space it will be as if they're seeing it for the first time. They could also give some good feedback!
• Open House Etiquette means pet free zones! Pets are ok for you but not for buyers. Sure 'Toto doesn't bite' but some people will be turned off and, just in case Toto decides to surprise anyone, a pet can trip someone, nip, bark or frighten, not to mention the possibility of odor or other unfortunate incident. It's just not worth the risk.

Open House Ideas:

• Have a professional group you belong to? Invite them to meet at your home and show them around.
• Host a party for yourself or a friend and use it to tell people about the house and give out sales materials.
• Check out open houses in your neighborhood and find out how your home compares: price and value.
• Combine a yard sale and open house. Have plenty of help so that you can split your focus.

Planning an Open House is more than just opening the door and putting a few signs on the lawn. It's a combination of timing, showmanship and salesmanship.