In the fast-paced world of real estate, the competition is always tough. If you are going to sell a property, you have to apply feasible and effective marketing strategies. These include marketing an open house.

Though some agents think that open house is not effective anymore, there are still many reasons why you have to consider this. Through an open house, it will be easy to do the marketing, improve your network and generate leads. To help you sell your property, here are some tips on marketing your open house efficiently.

Determine What Buyers Want

Before you market your open house, you have to first identify what most buyers want. You may not have specific target buyers so you don’t know what buyers really want in a house. To help you with this, there are three determinants that will let you know if you can pass the buyers’ standards or requirements.

First, the buyers should have an emotional connection with your open house. Usually, this is the first thing that buyers look for in a property. Emotional connection is very important for them especially if they are planning to stay there for good.

Apparently, they have to envision themselves living in your house. To make it possible, work hard and make your open house cozy and welcoming. Put away those family pictures pro tempore. If the buyers see them still hanging in the living room, they will find it difficult to consider your house as their future home. They may even think that you’re not yet ready to sell your house. This will create a negative feeling towards the buyers so make sure you had let go emotionally before you try to market your open house. Additionally, when showing off your open house, call it “property” instead of “home.” Being objective and determined will help you sell your house easily.

The second determinant is your property’s value for money. If your open house speaks for more money in the future, then it will likely attract buyers more. Remember that not all buyers invest on properties just for a shelter or a home but also for business properties. If your open house is located in a well-established area with myriad amenities, then your chance of selling is high.

Lastly, your open house should be in a move-in ready condition. If the buyers are in a rush and want to move in right away after buying your home, then it’s a must that your house is suitable for such need. If there are still things that need repair, expect them to find another open house. Before you market your open house, make sure that your home is in its best condition. After all, a presentable, cozy open house which is priced correctly will likely sell the most.

Combine Online and Offline Marketing

Internet marketing is very popular these days especially now that the advent of new media is proliferating. Newspaper ads may not be as effective as they were before. But in marketing, you have to consider all possible strategies; be it online or offline.

Advertising online includes posting an ad in web classifieds and open house directories. If you are really determined to sell your property, create a single property website that will show everything about your open house. Just make sure to use high quality and well-lit photos that will show the best parts of the house. You can also make electronic flyers and send them to all your contacts.

Most importantly, use social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Create a professional page and join professional social media network where most agents, realtors and potential buyers are. Online marketing competition is also tough so make sure to use the most effective online marketing tools.

While working online, make sure not to set offline marketing aside. This is very important in marketing an open house since your buyers need to see, read and touch real things. An open house sign should be placed outside your house and directional signs along the way so they can easily find your place.

Still, place marketing and information materials conveniently like near the front door, making sure it’s not blocked. Have color brochures jam-packed with financing information, operational literature, sold comparable and utility costs. Make it complete and attractive so it will prompt the buyers’ memory after a day of searching.

Stage your Open House

Staging an open house is a process if preparing a home for sale through de-personalizing, neutralizing and de-cluttering. It is a known strategy that helped a lot of sellers and agents sell properties.

When staging your open house, don’t miss the usual pleasantries like being cheerful and greeting every guest, serving refreshments and snacks, playing soft music to set the mood and keeping a pleasant fragrance like the smell of bread baking or aroma of coffee. Also, make that your open house is very clean, organized and inviting. Prepare all the important documents like appraisal, inspection reports and major repair and warranties in case they look for them. Also show them blueprints for future possible improvements.

Another thing that buyers want to hear is about your neighborhood. It is an advantage if your area is really great. Sell your neighborhood by telling about its perks (malls, restaurants, safety in in that area, etc.). To suffice them with ample information, you have to know the lifestyle in the neighborhood.

However, the wellness of your neighborhood should be visible. If all the houses in the neighborhood look the same, if it’s smelly, off the beaten path of traffic and is hard to find, then you can’t sell your neighborhood and more probably, your open house itself.

Knowing what your buyers want and what they don’t is the key to marketing your open house efficiently. Find out what they are looking for and be eager to show why your house fits those requirements. Nevertheless, don’t be afraid to ask for their feedback; you will never know how much you impressed them and perhaps, luckily, they may want to sign a housing contract with you right away.