The Importance Of An Open House

Getting into a house is important.

There’s a magical connection when most buyers walk into their future home for the first time.

It is a sort of love affair — the light, the space, the promise of happy times and comfortable surroundings.

This isn’t necessarily true to everyone. Some buyers grow to love their prospective home after visiting it a couple of times.

In all situations, being in the home is a key element to deciding on whether or not to buy a particular house.

So, getting inside the house is critical.


Well, it just got a bit easier.


The Super Open House Sunday directory will help buyers make it a great day to go see some houses.

‘IT’S THE EXPOSURE’
The importance of an open house is tremendous, from all sides of the home buying equation.
For sellers and agents, it is a chance for several buyers to visit the home at one time. The more people who see the house, the more likelihood one of them will be the potential buyer.
“It’s the exposure,” said Susan Milling of PRUDENTIAL GARDNER, Realtors. “In this very challenging market, the more exposure you can create for your listings, the more people will come through.”
Buyers can use the open house as a chance to get into the space and get a feeling for the house, the relationship of rooms to each other and how the floor plan may or may not work for their situation.
As one professional said, homes are like “apples, oranges and grapes — no two are alike.”
While going through an open house, the buyer has the chance to compare kitchens to kitchens, bedrooms to bedrooms and bathrooms to bathrooms.
These showings afford buyers great information — even those who might not be in the market for a new home.
“Open houses on Sunday are an education for
        everyone,” said Margaret Stewart of LATTER & BLUM, Inc., Realtors. Those who might not be interested in buying may find a home or find out about another home that is a dream come true.
“Even if you’re not in the market, you end up going to the house and falling in love with the house.”

NEIGHBORHOOD VIEW
Buyers also can take a look at the neighborhood, seeing first-hand the adjacent homes.
Open houses “give the general public the idea of different areas of the city to live in,” said Todd Todesco of KELLER WILLIAMS, Realty.
Actually going to the house can also show the buyer the ease of access to the neighborhood from various parts of the city, plus the relationship of the home site to schools, churches and retail options.
“I think it gives the buyers an opportunity to see what’s out there,” said Karen Prieur of RE/MAX New Orleans Properties. “It enables them to understand what’s on the market.”
For the real estate professional, the open house can be a chance to see and be seen. Buyers get a chance to meet an agent and agents can meet a buyer that might be perfect for that property or another.
Buyers can also meet agents familiar with the area, well-versed in the neighborhood and the ambiance of the region.
An open house also provides buyers with something else: the luxury of time and plenty to look at.
Buyers can “look at your own pace and then go onto the next house,” said Phoebe Whealdon of COLDWELL BANKER TEC Realtors. “It’s a great way to get exposed to many houses in a short amount of time.”

MAP OUT A PLAN
Realtors share many good stories about recent open houses, with high viewer turnout and an increase in interest in the area.
So look for more open house listings.
Nothing compares to seeing a house in person. All the senses combine to tell the buyer that “this one” is the right one.
Use the listings of the Super Open House Sunday Directory on the back page of this section to map out a plan to see as many homes as possible. And check this section every Sunday for a listing of open houses.
As the saying goes, make a plan and “work that plan.” Happy house hunting.

Victor M. Andrews
Special Sections Staff writer
Victor Andrews can be reached at vandrews@timespicayune.com

Open House Tips For Buyers
Open houses offer excellent chances for buyers to see several houses at one time.
Be prepared when headed out to look for that special place to live.
• Use the directory of open houses to research in advance properties that might be of interest.  The Times-Picayune Super Open House Sunday Classifieds and community news sections (Picayunes), as well as, nola.com, are important resources. Find out if the house has enough bedrooms, the right price, etc.
• To maximize the number of houses to be seen, make a list of the addresses and plan the best route. A bit of forethought can increase the number of homes on the “to view” list.
• Bring a camera in case you find the perfect house. Ask the showing agent if you can take photos to remember certain things about the house.
• Talk to the agents showing the homes. They can answer questions about the residence. They can also provide information about other homes that might be potential dwellings for you. For those buyers without an agent, this is a great chance to meet a real estate professional who will be a perfect match for your needs.
• Footwear, believe it or not, is important. Opt for comfortable shoes that do not scuff or leave marks. There will be walking and standing involved, so be prepared.
• For some buyers, there are special needs for special pieces of furniture. A tape measure can be invaluable for finding out how much space is available for certain items.

Open House Tips for Sellers
Preparing for an open house should be no different than preparing the house to be put on the market.
But there are some things to consider when a seller knows the home will be visited by several people in one day.
Just remember a few concepts and make the most of the moment:
• Remove as much clutter as possible. Less things in a room make the room look bigger and it also makes it easier for potential buyers to picture their things in the room.
• Don’t forget to declutter closets and cabinets. Buyers will be opening doors to look inside. Well-organized storage makes a good impression.
• Make certain all the lighting fixtures are on, have working bulbs and are clean. Buyers are switch-hitters and will be turning on the lights (if the lights are not already on).
• Open drapes, blinds and shades to let in natural light and give potential buyers a view of the well-kept yard.
• Keep fragrances (and odors) in the home as neutral as possible. Freshly baked cookies or a lighted odor-reducing candle can send a message that all the senses are important in a home. Just be careful of placement and of an overpowering scent.
• Pets should be protected — for themselves and the visitors. This is a great time for an outing for all the animals.
• Items of great value, both sentimental and financial, should be protected from accidental damage. The best idea is to remove them.
• Protect prescription drugs (again, remove them).
• Find somewhere else to be. The real estate agent will be able to handle the situation. The agent can also help with any of these tips and also offer additional suggestions for getting ready.

Reposted from: http://blog.nola.com/realestate/2011/01/selling_solutions.html