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Saturday, March 30, 2013

Ten DIY Open House Tips

by Czarina Carden

In most northern regions across the country, open house season officially kicks off in the spring shortly following the Super Bowl. For our neighbors to the south, open house season can also occur in the Fall. Regardless of where you’re coming from, an open house by any other season still provides a unique opportunity for buyers to connect with a home on a more tangible level. Despite the proliferation of online listing sites offering multiple property photos and even virtual tours, there’s still something to be said for physically walking through a home and getting a substantial feel for the layout, neighborhood and general condition of the home. For lack of a better term, it’s a crucial opportunity unlike any other, to investigate the je ne sais quoi, or “certain something” — of a potential home. For you sellers, your open house is a chance to make a great first or lasting impression.

Here are our 10 tips for spicing up your open house to romance potential buyers!

10. Breathe new life into an old home
Even if you don’t have the budget or time for a major renovation project, at the very least, you should clean your home thoroughly to make it shine like new. All surfaces should be spotless, including floors, counters, windows, walls and mirrors. You can also work small miracles with a few coats of fresh paint. But this doesn’t mean white. Don’t be afraid of a little color, just keep it neutral.

9. Take ‘you’ out of the equation
You want buyers to walk in and picture themselves living in the home. Your home should reflect a blank canvas, devoid of any personal touches including pictures and bold wall colors. On open house day, this might also mean you literally, as some buyers might prefer talking to a neutral agent, rather than you the home seller, about the home.

8. Fool the eye
Stage your home for maximum impact. If you have a smaller living area, remove heavy furniture to open up the space. If you want to detract attention away from a small feature window, arrange furniture or use wall color (in neutral tones) to play up the fireplace or tray ceilings as the primary focal point.

7. Bring on the light
Light creates energy and a positive vibe, so open up your curtains to let in natural sunlight. If you’re lacking windows, illuminate your space with strategic and functional lighting for added warmth and ambiance. Less is not more so turn all your lights on, especially if you have nice fixtures.

6. Enhance your curb appeal
First impressions are lasting impressions, so replace fading house numbers or put a fresh coat of paint on tired looking doors and mailboxes. Lawns should be neat, trim and sparkling, so run your sprinklers shortly before your open house starts.

5. Sweat the small stuff
Don’t forget about the details, such as replacing mismatched outlet covers, patching holes and rehanging or oiling squeaky doors.

4. Appeal to the nose
Nothing turns off buyers quicker than offensive odors. You might not smell your pets, but a non-pet owner definitely will. Ensure foul odors are not only eliminated, but replaced with delicious scents from fresh cut flowers or home baked treats.

3. Create a plan of attack
Make sure you or your agent have discussed a tactical plan to accomplish your open house goals. This should include strategic scheduling and a fundamental understanding of buyer behavior. Keep in mind most open houses are posted on Thursdays and Sundays, with a majority of buyers searching on Sunday morning.

2. Roll out the welcome mat
Make buyers feel at home and at ease by providing soft, inviting music, balloons at the entryway, prominent sign in sheets/brochures, and even kid-friendly activities such as coloring books and crayons. Not only will this make your home more inviting, but it will also leave the real decision makers free to focus on your home’s great features.

1. Promote, promote, promote!
It won’t matter how wonderful your house looks if no one attends your open house. So make sure you or your agent has advertised your open house both online and in print, maximizing all the channels buyers are searching. On open house day, post signs at the busiest intersections and create an effective path for buyers to easily navigate to your open house.

My name is Scott Grebner and I have been helping my clients realize their own personal real estate dreams. Real estate is a relationship-based business that works best when client relationships are built on trust and confidence. My goal is having clients be completely satisfied with the professional and caring service they have received.

The role of technology is rapidly changing how the real-estate market functions in this country today. Gerharter Realtors is embracing these new mediums of communication to better serve our customers. We have created our e-family to better place important information in your hands to help you with your housing needs. As a part of Gerharter Enterprises we have access to a broader range of additional services and resources to better assist you. Visit me at my Web Site, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, You Tube or Pinterest. Please check out our helpful resources on Sellers Tips, Buyers Tips, Foreclosure Tips, and Mortgage Tips. For a personal consultation please visit our Office.

It seems that the dream of past generations was to pay off a mortgage. The dream of today’s young families is to get one. I would love to hear from you, about your Real Estate Dreams and questions.

Email me at scott@gerharterrealtors.com.

8 Tips for a Successful Open House

By Money Crashers Heather Levin

If your home is on the market, then you may already know that you’re about to enter the high season for buyers. Spring, summer and fall are when most people look for, and buy, homes. In fact, April through July is when the majority of homes change hands, with June traditionally being the strongest month for home sales.

Selling your home in a down market isn’t easy. To boost sales potential, it’s likely that your real estate agent might want to stage an open house during the busy buying season, especially if you live in an area that’s seeing an upswing in prices and home sales. This means it’s up to you to make sure your open house impresses as many potential buyers as possible.
So, what can you do to make the most of your open house? Follow these eight tips to create a buyer-friendly atmosphere.

1. Spruce Up the Yard

You’ve probably heard time and time again that curb appeal is one of the most important factors when it comes to selling your home. The experts keep repeating this mantra for a reason: you really don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Make sure your yard landscaping and the exterior of your home look amazing. Plant flowers in brightly-colored pots, make sure the grass is cut and edged, and place a fresh layer of mulch in the beds. Clean up any random debris (e.g. those bricks you always meant to use for a new patio have to go) or toys that may be lying around. Lastly, take a look at your front door. Would it benefit from a fresh coat of paint? It’s easy to overlook a flaking door frame or rusty railings with everything you have going on, but these little details can make a world of difference.

2. Invest in a New Doormat

It may sound silly, but think about this: When you’re about to enter a home, what do you do? You look down, and wipe your feet on the doormat. If your current doormat is dingy and used, buy a nice one for the open house. A bright, fresh doormat subtly tells buyers you care about the home. Remember to pay attention to other aspects of your entryway as well. Don’t leave shoes on the floor for visitors to stumble on, and get rid of that stack of mail on the hall table.

3. Clear the Clutter

Make sure every surface of your home is clean and clear of clutter. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

· Kitchen: This is especially true in the kitchen. Buyers like to see uncluttered counter tops because it’s easier for them to envision how their own appliances would fit. So take away the coffee pot, the juicer, the blender, and anything else you usually leave sitting out.

· Bathroom: Put away all personal items, including toothbrushes and toiletries.

· Bedrooms and Living Area: It’s important to pack away personal items like family photos, trophies, and anything else that might prevent buyers from imagining themselves in the house.

4. Organize Closets and Storage Spaces check these house spring cleaning tips and checklist.

Remember, storage space is a key concern for most home buyers. They want to be able to clearly see what your home has to offer. Nobody wants to open a closet door and have a pile of stuff fall on them. Clean out any extraneous items and make sure these spaces are well-organized. It may even be worth investing in some shelving and stackable bins to really show off the potential of the space.

5. Set the Table

Arrange the dining room table with your most interesting tableware. For an added touch of class, add some fresh flowers and candles. If you do your diligence here, buyers will find themselves picturing what it would be like to entertain in the home.

6. Leave Out Goodies

You want your home to feel inviting and welcoming. There’s no better way to make potential buyers feel at home then to offer them some delicious treats during the open house. Plus, if you do a little baking beforehand (even if it’s throwing “slice and bake” cookies in the oven), the house will smell amazing. Put out a plate of cookies or brownies, or individually-wrapped candies or chocolates. Offer bottled water, hot cocoa (if it’s a wet, cold spring day), or a carafe of lemonade.

7. Leave Flyers and FAQ Sheets

An informational flyer with one or more attractive, high quality photos of your home can be a great selling tool. Not only will this help your home stay “top of mind” once people leave, but flyers and FAQ pages also allow you to offer insider information about the neighbors, the local school system, and any other benefits to the area.

8. Make Yourself Scarce

You shouldn’t be home during an open house. If you’re absent, buyers will feel more comfortable asking questions to the realtor, and discussing the benefits and drawbacks of your home. You’ll also feel better not having to hear all of the potential buyers’ opinions first hand. Find something fun to do that will take your mind off of things. And if you have pets, make sure you take them with you.

Final Thoughts

Remember, you want buyers to feel comfortable as they’re walking around your home. The day before your open house, do a walk through. Try to pretend you’re looking at the home for the first time. Is the furniture easy to navigate around? Are there any cords someone could trip over? Are there any strange or unpleasant smells? The closer you analyze your home, the better impression you’ll likely give to potential buyers. What appeals to you when you attend an open house? Where do you think sellers should focus their efforts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

My name is Scott Grebner and I have been helping my clients realize their own personal real estate dreams. Real estate is a relationship-based business that works best when client relationships are built on trust and confidence. My goal is having clients be completely satisfied with the professional and caring service they have received.

The role of technology is rapidly changing how the real-estate market functions in this country today. Gerharter Realtors is embracing these new mediums of communication to better serve our customers. We have created our e-family to better place important information in your hands to help you with your housing needs. As a part of Gerharter Enterprises we have access to a broader range of additional services and resources to better assist you. Visit me at my Web Site, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, You Tube or Pinterest. Please check out our helpful resources on Sellers Tips, Buyers Tips, Foreclosure Tips, and Mortgage Tips. For a personal consultation please visit our Office.

It seems that the dream of past generations was to pay off a mortgage. The dream of today’s young families is to get one. I would love to hear from you, about your Real Estate Dreams and questions.

Email me at scott@gerharterrealtors.com.

15 Safety Tips for Realtors and Homeowners to Practice During an Open House

Josienita Borlongan, Yahoo! Contributor Network

What Realtors and Homeowners Should Do to Protect Themselves

With so many houses for sale, even in a softened market, one thing is for sure- that crime against people and/or their properties can and do happen. Some criminals take advantage of the stale market, where homeowners desperately trying to sell their homes would conduct several open houses. Oftentimes, these criminals would visit certain houses to scan them, only to come back later and commit a crime- whether robbery or something worse. With these reasons in mind, realtors and homeowners alike should practice safety during an open house.

Here are some safety tips for realtors and homeowners to practice during an open house:

1. Homeowners selling their house need to remember that strangers will be walking through their home. Hide any valuable in a safe and secure place. If you have a vault or a fire safe box, keep all important documents as well as jewelries in it. If you have prescription drugs, keep them away from plain sight. This way, those who are trying to seek some thrills will not be tempted.

2. Put away the kitchen knives and other things that can be used as weapons, like baseball bats, etc. and keep them in a place where they cannot be easily found or reached.

3. If possible, make sure that your agent is with you when someone wants to see your home. If you are having an open house, volunteer to stay home. Most real estate agents will let you stay home during an open house, as long as you are not in the way of prospective buyers.

4. Suggest to your realtor that you would prefer that he or she is not alone. Have them bring a companion so that one can possibly greet people, while the other can follow the crowd as they walk through out the house.

5. If you are a realtor, make sure that you have your mobile phone fully charged, and in your possession at all times. Make sure that you have pre-programmed important emergency numbers on speed dial. Carry an extra fully charged cell phone battery which you can use in case your other battery runs out.

6. Before showing a home to a prospective buyer or before conducting an open house, the realtor should visit the house first an hour prior to the scheduled open house. Both the seller and the realtor should do a walk-through together and discuss the details and safety precautions that need to be done; check all rooms, and determine several escape routes. Make sure that all deadbolts are unlocked to facilitate a faster escape.

7. Maintain an information sheet and have all open house visitors sign in. Ask for full name, address, phone number, and email address.

8. When showing the house, always walk behind the prospect. Instead of leading the way, direct them to where the rooms are by pointing the locations and then gesturing to them to go ahead of you. For example if you are showing where the master bedroom is at say, “The master bedroom is upstairs to your left” then let them walk towards it while you follow behind.

9. Don’t let yourself get trapped in. When showing the house, make sure that you are always by the door of each room so you can easily walk away if needed. Never turn your back on the visitors when trying to explain features of the home. Try to avoid walking with them to the attics or basements where you can easily get trapped and no one would hear you.

10. At an open house, be alert on the pattern of visitors’ arrivals, especially near the end of the showing hours. In some areas, a group of thieves may show up together near the end of the open house and, while a string of supposed potential buyers distracts the realtor, stealing any valuable they come across.

11. Notify someone in your office, your answering service, a friend or a relative that you will be calling in every hour on the hour. And if you don’t call, they are to call you.

12. If you have a strange feeling about the visitors and they seem odd, follow your gut feeling and politely ask more questions. Do not show that you are suspecting them; after all there is a difference between being paranoid and being safe. Ask questions on what they are looking for in a home, try to make conversations and watch their reactions and see if there is anything odd with their answers.

Some people may be naturally nervous about looking for prospective homes to buy, but you should be able to keep a safe distance if you are sensing something odd. Do not try to interrogate them, after all, if they turn out to be real buyers you do not want to scare them away. Again, exercising good judgment is the key!

13. Inform a neighbor that you will be showing the house and ask if he or she would keep an eye and ear open for anything out of the ordinary. Keep the front door and all the windows open if the weather permits, so that if you try to call out for help you can be easily heard.

14. Don’t assume that everyone has left the premises at the end of an open house. Check all of the rooms and the backyard prior to locking the doors. Then make sure that all doors and windows are locked. Thieves commonly use open houses to scout for valuables and possible points of entry, and then return after the agent leaves. There are even thieves who would hide themselves in rooms or inside the closets and wait while everybody is gone before doing their criminal deeds.

15. The realtor should immediately call the homeowners when the open house is done. When the homeowners return home, they should immediately verify that all doors are locked and all valuables accounted for. Inspect the rooms, basement, attic, storage rooms, closets, under the beds, if they are all clear.

Practicing the above safety tips during an open house can ensure that both realtors and the homeowners, and their properties are safe from any criminal acts.

My name is Scott Grebner and I have been helping my clients realize their own personal real estate dreams. Real estate is a relationship-based business that works best when client relationships are built on trust and confidence. My goal is having clients be completely satisfied with the professional and caring service they have received.

The role of technology is rapidly changing how the real-estate market functions in this country today. Gerharter Realtors is embracing these new mediums of communication to better serve our customers. We have created our e-family to better place important information in your hands to help you with your housing needs. As a part of Gerharter Enterprises we have access to a broader range of additional services and resources to better assist you. Visit me at my Web Site, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, You Tube or Pinterest. Please check out our helpful resources on Sellers Tips, Buyers Tips, Foreclosure Tips, and Mortgage Tips. For a personal consultation please visit our Office.

It seems that the dream of past generations was to pay off a mortgage. The dream of today’s young families is to get one. I would love to hear from you, about your Real Estate Dreams and questions.

Email me at scott@gerharterrealtors.com.
 

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