Getting the maximum exposure possible is a key part of any home sale. An Open House is a great way to draw buyers into your home.

Most Open Houses for the public are held on a weekend afternoon when potential buyers often have more time to drive through neighbourhoods. Advertising in the local paper as well as on bulletin board will help to notify the public of the event as well as give potential buyers time to plan on attending.

(Canadian Home Find's Seller's Guide has an entire chapter on this topic. Well worth the read!)

Although not all homes are candidates for an open house due to location, condition or competition in the market place, you won't know how much buyer traffic you will draw until you try. Any exposure to potential buyers and to individuals who will talk about your home to others is always worthwhile.

Here are some general tips to help you prepare for your Open House:

       1. Saturday or Sunday afternoons seem to be the most popular days.

       2. 2-4 hours is the average time your home should be open to the public.

       3. Avoid booking your open house during any community events or major sporting event playoffs.

       4. Avoid holidays.

       5. Check the weather forecast (cold rainy days...less people out and about).

       6. Prepare and groom the yard, including sidewalks and lawns.

       7. Eliminate all valuables that can easily be picked up and pocketed (rings, watches, camera's etc.).

       8. De-clutter the house as much as possible.

       9. Remove or depersonalize the home if possible (family pictures etc.)

      10. Pack any and all unused items and place them in a storage area.

      11. Avoid cooking any foods that have strong odors (such as fish, broccoli, cabbage etc.).

      12. Make arrangements for your pets to leave the house.

      13. Ensure all beds are made and rooms are presentable.

      14. Curb appeal and home presentation can reflect the price you receive, so put your best foot forward and clean everything.

      15. Fresh air or pleasant scents are appealing to everyone. Fresh flowers, vanilla, or soft scents are the most popular.

      16. Have flyers or feature sheets available to all buyers coming through the home.

      17. Have a friend or spouse with you to help guide traffic as well as safety issues.

      18. Put out signs with directional arrows around your neighbourhood showing the way to your open house. Make sure to also put one on the front lawn so potential buyers know they have the right house.

      19. Balloons are an excellent way to draw attention. If you have a chance, pick up a dozen (or more) brightly colored balloons to tie to your open house signs. The extra colorful attraction draws additional attention to your open house signs that some busy drivers may have missed.

      20. Most of all, greet potential buyers with confidence and welcoming smile.