Weekend before big game good time to hold open house
Q: It seems like the winter is a tough time to hold an open house when you're trying to sell a home. I don't see too many of them, at least not in my neighborhood. What's a good time to hold an open house? Any tips you can give me on this? -- Stephanie H., Las Vegas
A: I think you're right in noticing that there are fewer open houses held during the winter, which is usually a slow season for the housing market.
Starting around mid-November, homeowners trying to attract potential buyers to their home are competing with lots of other things that capture our attention this time of year. Examples include holiday shopping, family functions, vacations and even football season. Such activities divert potential buyers who have more pressing things to do than visit open houses.
If you're considering an open house this time of year, I've always thought that the weekend before the Super Bowl would be a good time. The college football season is over and there are no playoff games to watch that weekend (Jan. 29 and 30 this year). So, you have a better chance of attracting families -- especially football fans.
It's safe to say that you're more likely to draw people to an open house when the weather is pleasant in the spring, summer and fall. Of course, when you need to sell your home, you can't always wait for warm weather.
With help from the National Association of Realtors, here are some tips on how to hold a successful open house:
Make sure your house is as clean as possible and that it smells inviting.
Consider baking cookies to make the house smell appetizing. You may also want to serve cookies, coffee and soft drinks to welcome guests.
To keep the kitchen clean, use disposable cups.
Remove personal items from your home, including family photos, distinctive art and mementos. Buyers want to envision themselves living in your house, not be reminded who lives there.
Use fresh or silk flowers to breathe life and color into main rooms.
Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. Add a new shower curtain, fresh towels and fancy guest soaps in the bathrooms.
To beautify the entrance, buy a new doormat.
To make rooms and countertops look bigger, remove one or two pieces of furniture and your kitchen appliances.
Turn on all the lights and let natural light brighten the rooms.
Play relaxing music to add atmosphere.
Spruce up your yard. Be sure toys and yard equipment are put away. If you have grass, make your lawn shine by running the sprinklers before the open house.
Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that's not possible, confine them to a bathroom or other room and let your agent know where they are.
Lock up your valuables. Although a real estate agent will be there, it's impossible to watch everyone all the time.
Leave the house. It's awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and talk about your home with you there.
Find more tips at realtor.org/toolkits.
Finally, I was asked recently how Realtors feel about people showing up for open houses if they're not seriously considering buying that home. I can't speak for everyone in our profession, but I welcome window shoppers.
After all, Realtors generally benefit from meeting new people, whether they're just looking, live in the neighborhood, or whatever. The more the merrier, I say.
For more information on real estate issues, consult a qualified local Realtor or visit lasvegasrealtor.com.
Paul Bell is the president of the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors and has worked in the real estate industry for 30 years. GLVAR has nearly 12,500 members. To ask him a question, e-mail him at ask@glvar.org. For more information, visit lasvegasraltor.com.
