An open house is an opportunity for buyers to view a property without having to make an appointment for a showing. This is an easy way for several buyers to see the house on the same day and allows offers to be made more quickly because there isn’t a wait for scheduled showings. There are many ways to prepare for an open house to go smoothly and to attract more guests. Rose Alvarez compiled below some open-house tips for sellers.
Invest in renovations and upgrades
Small renovation projects can go a long way when preparing for an open house. Be sure to discuss with your real estate agent to see what tips they would suggest to increase the value of the home. Rose Alvarez is highly knowledgeable of the Lake View real estate market and can help you determine which projects are worth the time to improve your home when preparing for an open house. Renovation projects can include things like a fresh coat of paint to the exterior and interior of the home, updating light fixtures, or replacing old flooring. Larger projects may include new windows, a new roof, or updated landscaping.
Use professional photography
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When listing a Lake View or Gold Coast home for sale, having professional photography makes a huge difference. Buyers will first view a home online, and the pictures can either attract or discourage interest in the property. When buyers begin the home searching process, 95% use online tools to view the property. Use images that best represent your home; suggested photos to include in the listing are:
- An exterior shot of the house shows off the curb appeal.
- If applicable, photos of the yard, including a pool, deck, or other outstanding outdoor features.
- Interior photos of all the rooms in the house.
Spend time staging
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Professional staging is another great way to attract potential buyers to your Lake View home for sale. When you use staging in the home, it can include switching lighting and furniture placement to make the rooms seem bright and open. When guests enter the home, they need to be able to move easily through the rooms. You want the lighting to be warm and welcoming so that buyers can picture themselves living there.
Staging a home can also include decluttering. Be sure the home is clean and any clutter is put away out of sight. Any personal family pictures or memorabilia can be removed to make buyers feel like they are not intruding on someone else’s space. Deep clean the bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms, and consider lighting scented candles.
Craft a good listing
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When you are selling your property, it is important to stand out from the competition. When writing the listing, you want the property to be memorable and detailed so that your listing description does not leave people asking questions. Consider theses things as you craft the listing description with your agent:
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Let your agent know of any new improvements to the home or things that may need to be updated so that they can include the information. Buyers will feel more comfortable knowing what to expect when they come to the open house.
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Be clear and concise about what makes this property unique so that potential buyers will find exactly what they need without having to waste time searching. List the property’s qualities, such as a pool, deck, patio, or wine cellar.
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Showcase what makes your home special and describe the highlights of your home. Be creative and use sentences that flow well and capture attention.
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Describe the benefits of the neighborhood, and list nearby restaurants, parks, and other amenities.
Chicago is home to beautiful and unique neighborhoods, and it is important to include your home’s attributes to attract buyers.
Set a competitive price
Work with your real estate agent to set a competitive price for your Gold Coast real estate. One that’s too high will discourage buyers from visiting the property during the open house even if they are interested in it. But a price that is set too low will have buyers questioning potential problems with the property. Be sure to include pricing information in open house literature.
An open house can be a great opportunity to showcase a home to several buyers on the same day. It minimizes time spent scheduling showings and allows your real estate agent to answer questions buyers may have. If you’re ready to sell your home and plan an open house, contact Rose Alvarez, a highly knowledgeable agent who knows the Chicago real estate market and its buyers.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
