The Holiday Open House
If you have a home on the market, do not neglect to utilize the most of every moment. During the holiday season, it is easy to put marketing efforts on hold, assuming people are out of town and schedules are booked. Could an open house during the holiday season be beneficial? It can, and we will give you a few tips on how to make the most of the season. Not only is the holiday season not a hindrance to the open house, it can be a huge asset. If you have a for sale sign on your property, it is always time to market your home effectively and creatively and the holidays gives you an extra reason to showcase your home.
The Open House Bash
Part creative marketing, part party; plan a successful open house by making your open house a reason to slow down and celebrate. Use the holiday season to as an opportunity to stir up interest in your home by throwing an agent viewing party, giving agents an opportunity to see your home in a fun atmosphere and letting them become favorably familiar with it.
Plan for Success
Like any marketing effort, you must plan for its success. Whether the market is slow or offers are coming in the day it goes on the market, it pays to generate as much interest as you can in your property.
Send quality open house invitations to area agents. You can make great postcards online where you can upload an attractive photo of your home and add any wording you would like. Even if they do not come, they have your address and a photo of your home as a reminder.
Dress Your Home for the Occasion
It is easy for a seller, who is perhaps already half packed and anticipating their own move, to forgo with decorating for the holidays. However, nothing can detract more from a home than being underdressed for the occasion. Prospective buyers are looking, even during the busy holiday season, for their dream home. Remember what a buyer would hope to see as they view your home even from the street. A dark home in the midst of homes in festive lights will look empty, and uninviting. With minimal effort, a home can look seasonal and welcoming. If lights are too much to take on, try a nice winter wreath for the door. Indoors, try simple seasonal arrangements that will evoke holiday cheer, but not overwhelm or detract form the home’s features. Light a fire in the fireplace, perhaps holiday swags in doorways to rooms you would like to draw attention to. Have different treats available in various rooms to draw people through the entire house.
Evoke Cheer
Give visitors a place to socialize with each other. Even ten minutes is enough time for them to get a great look at all of the wonderful assets of your home.
Make sure to offer plenty of festive finger foods and desserts.
Have different treats available in various rooms to draw people through the entire house.
A little dab of vanilla extract in the oven will smell like cookies baking.
Print out a “tour guide” for them to take home. A few quality pictures with a brief, well written description can go a long way.
Have a place for them to leave their cards as part of a “thank you for visiting” drawing. A dinner for two at a moderate priced restaurant is a nice and affordable thank you.
It is absolutely possible to have a successful open house bash with very little effort. All you need is a little creativity to stand out among the rest.
