Preparing For a Summer Open House

Although spring is historically the best time of year for real estate sales, recent growth in the U.S. market is bound to improve activity during the summer months. According to ActiveRain, the largest real estate social network in the world, 84 percent of agents believe that real estate values and the number of real estate transactions will continue to increase this year. What’s more, there are no markets expected to see a decline in home values or real estate transactions. This is a staggering improvement from last year, when one-third of the markets expected to see house values decline.

With a robust real estate market on the immediate horizon, many homeowners will need to capitalize by hosting open houses. As sellers prepare to showcase their homes, there are many factors that should be taken into account that may not have been important considerations during the spring season. Here are some helpful tips to effectively plan for your summer open house:

1)     Make sure the AC is turned up high

The summer months are extremely hot—you don’t want your prospective buyers sweltering and sweating as they walk through your house

2)     Don’t forget to mow and keep your lawn impeccable

Make sure your grass is cut, tidied up and watered so that your lawn looks as presentable and appealing as possible

3)     Water all your flowers and plants

Fresh flowers can really add to the overall appeal of your home and make your property look inviting and colorful

4)     Keep your pool and the surrounding area pristine

Pools definitely appeal to certain buyers, so make sure your pool is not filled with leaves, bugs, rafts, tubes, etc.  Keep your pool deck organized and attractive so that potential buyers will want to take the plunge – with an offer

5)     Make sure your pool gates are locked

It’s a MA state law that any outdoor swimming pool with more than 24 inches of water must have a protective barrier, and this fence must have a self-closing gate with a locking device. Make sure your gate is locked and properly working before prospective buyers arrive

6)     Consider holding your open house on a weeknight

Open houses are typically held on Sunday afternoons; however, during the summer many families look to travel on the weekends or simply relax.  Be smart and attract more open house attendees on a weeknight when buyers are more available

7)     Avoid scheduling your open house during busy vacation weeks

If you try to market your house on 4th of July weekend, don’t expect many people to show up! The same holds true for Labor Day weekend – a time when prospective home buyers are certain to take time off from their home search

8)     Keep the house clean

With your kids home all day, the house can get extra messy. Make sure sticky counters are wiped, sports equipment is put away and yard toys are stored out of sight

9)      Offer cold drinks or snacks

Even if your AC is on, guests may be hot when they first enter your house from outside. Be sure to offer cold water or lemonade

10) Bring the outdoors inside

Place vibrant cut flowers on your table, pull up window shades to let the light shine in and fill your home with aromas of summer – lavender, citrus flavors or tropical scents

Keep these open house tips in mind to enhance the marketability of your house. Make sure to keep summer seekers cool and hydrated. Focus on keeping your property uncluttered and inviting for open house visitors and, ideally, follow-up prospects! Lastly, be flexible. Summer is a time for relaxing, spending time with family and traveling. Many people may be busy so plan your open house to best suit buyer availability – and their propensity to like cool, well-manicured attractive homes.

Amy Mizner is a principal at the real estate firm of Benoit Mizner Simon & Co. (BMS).  Mizner and her partner Sheryl Simon have been the top-selling team in Weston for more than a decade.  At BMS, which has offices in Weston and Wellesley, Mizner and her team work to provide a fresh approach, and a highly professional experience for all clients. Amy can be reached at 781-894-8282 or amymizner@gmail.com.