An open house is beneficial for both buyers and sellers. Buyers are able to see homes they’re interested in without having to schedule a showing, and sellers can showcase their properties to a wide variety of people. No matter what side of the deal you’re on, it’s a great chance to find the home or buyer that you’ve been waiting for. Here are a few things you can do to get the most out of the experience.

Buyers

• Come prepared. Bring a camera and a notepad, and take plenty of notes and photos as you walk through the house. What are some features you like? What don’t you like about the house? If you make notes during or immediately after your visit, you’ll be able to remember the positives and negatives of the home easier than if you try to commit them to memory.
• Ask questions. The agent hosting the open house knows things about the home that might not be easy to see at first glance. Ask the listing agent when the home was built and if any recent upgrades have been made. They’re an expert on the property, so have them tell you all about it.
• Check for problems. Look for water stains, cracks, or any other physical signs that indicate that there might be leaks or other damage. It’s in the seller’s best interest to make their home look as good as possible, and it’s in your best interest to try to find the things that they’re covering up. Keep an eye out for anything that looks like it could develop into a much larger problem down the road.

Sellers

• Clean up. As with every showing, your home should be in the best possible condition during your open house. This is the time that prospective buyers will see how they feel in your home, and they will be turned off by odors, messes, stains, and trash. Spend a considerable amount of time to prepare for your open house. Declutter, clean, and highlight your home’s best features.
• Let there be light. Having the correct lighting can make a big impact on the way that buyers view your home. Lighting is an easy way to make a room appear larger or set the mood for various rooms. Open your blinds, turn on the lights, and make sure that your home is glowing when guests arrive.
• Remove your valuables. While it’d be nice to think that no one would ever mess with your belongings, an open house is open to everyone. Unfortunately, sometimes people with bad intentions do come through, so make sure you remove anything that you’d be devastated to find missing. If you do notice anything missing after an open house, notify your agent and the authorities immediately.

If you’re a buyer, it’s important to keep in mind that you won’t be the only person walking through the home that day, so come prepared in the event that you need to make an offer quickly.

If you’re a seller, you might end up with a lot of looky-loos at your home, but it’s crucial that you make sure that your home looks its best in case the right buyer does walk through the door.

Open houses can be rewarding regardless of what side of the deal you’re on, as long as you’re in the right mindset and you’re prepared. Best of luck!

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