Open House Check List

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Provided by Rate a Home, LLC

www.rateahome.com

Copyright 2005

                                       

Click to download PDF version

 

“To Do List” The (Day of) the Open House

 

“H” refers to the Home Owners Responsibility.

“A” refers to the Agents Responsibilities, if you have opted to hire an Agent. If you chose not to hire an Agent, all of the following may relate to your responsibilities.

 

o    “H” Do a once over of home (inside and out) making sure everything is in order.

o    “H” Remove ice and snow from drives, walk-ways, and porches.

o    “H” Remove excess vehicles.

o    “H” Have garage door closed.

o    “H” Remove pets during open house.

o    “H” Lock-up or remove valuables.

o    “H” If you are using an Agent, decide on how they will access the property if you are unable to meet them the day of the open house. Agree where to leave the key after the open house is completed.

o    “H” Turn off the underground sprinkler (timer).

o    “H” If you are able to turn your telephone ringer off, or down, do so. Place your answering machine on silent.

o    “H” Turn off television (unless you have a home theatre you want to display).

o    “H” Have easy listening music playing, softly.

o    “H” Utilize air fresheners. Scented candles are nice as well, but could create a liability issue.

o    “H” Turn on lighting throughout the home (interior and exterior).

o    “H” Light the fireplace if the season allows.

o    “H” Set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature.

o    “H” If you are conducting the open house, you may want to hire an outside babysitter for your children.

o    “H” If you have hired an Agent, allow them to do their job. Too many people at the open house can make a potential buyer feel trapped.

o    “H” Baking cookies, cakes, etc., can add a pleasant aroma to the home. Setting out a tray of sweets along with coffee is an option, but could be a liability, as well as, possible spillage.

o    “A” Have your Broker, friend, or family member, aware of the open house location, in case of an emergency.

o    “A” Have a clean vehicle during the open house. A clean vehicle reflects on you in buyers eyes.

o    “A” Place open house signs so not to obstruct driver’s vision. Many areas don’t allow placement of signs in public parkways (check with the local government agencies for signage laws). If you need to place a sign on private property; inquire with the owner for their approval in advance.

o    “A” Park your vehicle out of the way, leaving the parking areas convenient to the potential buyer.

o    “A” Have security phone numbers available.

o    “A” Take along all the necessary tools you will need to market the property.

o    “A” Have business cards available.

o    “A” Display the customer registration book and pen if you utilize this system.

o    “A” Turn cell phones to vibrate.

o    “A” Stand up to greet potential buyers. Don’t sit down during the entire time a buyer is touring the property.

o    “A” Allow a buyer to have their space while they tour the property. The valuables should have been locked away to remove any liability to you. Ask them if they have any questions during the tour, to please feel free to ask you.

o    “A” Have a purchase agreement available.

o    “A” Lock the property up after the open house is completed, if that’s what the Seller and you agreed upon.

o    “A” Notify the Seller on the traffic flow, and customer responses, following the open house.