April Showers Bring May Sales

Once you decide that the time has come to sell your house, the area’s open houses are one of the most promising ways for you to show off its fine points. And early spring has long proved to be one of real estate’s peak selling seasons. Despite the fact that April can bring unpredictable weather to town, it’s undeniably prime time to use an open house to market your home.

Open houses are popular for the simple reason that they provide maximum exposure to house-hunters, whether they are casual or more highly motivated. Particularly when a home is occupied, open houses invite easy access to a property, side-stepping all the normal hurdles of appointment making, phone tag, calendar syncing, etc.  Since vacant homes are easy to show any time, they tend to get more exposure (especially since prospective buyers frequently phone at the last minute to request a tour).

Open houses are a way to even the competition. Held on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, they provide the easiest way for potential buyers to browse. Prospects can casually pursue their search without having to commit to a day full of appointments. For them and for the seller, it’s a handy tradition.

But what if it turns out to be one of those local rainy days?

Ideally, everyone plans their open houses with a bright, sunny day in mind. But when the clouds gather, you don’t need to let a little inclement weather wreck the opportunity.  When it turns gloomy outside, think of it as the perfect opportunity to make your home shine on the inside.  Open all the blinds, turn on the lights, throw some upbeat jazz on the stereo, and crank the heat up!  Another nice touch (especially if you want to come home to a clean house) will be to place towels or mats by the front door so that attendees can wipe their feet.

Looking to go the extra mile?  Provide hot chocolate or hot tea in disposable cups for your agent to offer browsers.  At the very least, they’ll be sure to remember your open house!

If you are considering listing your area home and are looking for solid marketing support and exposure, today is the day to call me to schedule your consultation…rain or shine!