Please read a very important notice about Home Staging by clicking here.

Open House Ideas For Realtors:

First, and foremost, don’t make buyers feel rushed.  Typically Open Houses fall on Saturday and Sunday within a small timeframe.  I never quite understood this.  My husband and I have bought and sold over eleven homes since 1995 and when it was time to shop for one, we would rush around like crazy to see as many as possible without having the luxury of really enjoying each property.

Second, consider holding a Friday evening Open House. Create a mood with lighting in the landscape, candles, etc. Serve seasonal refreshments.  Have bottles of water with a picture of the house on the label along with the MLS number and your contact information.  You can purchase waterproof labels for both inkjet and laser printers and create them on your home computer.  The easiest bottles, I have found, to remove the original label from is Target’s brand Archer Farms. 

Depending upon the Seller’s budget, or your confidence level in the asking price and market, you may want to consider holding a themed or catered Open House.

You may also want to spread the word in the neighborhood of the upcoming Open House. They may have friends or family members who wish to buy in the area.  Word of mouth is an amazing tool.  You can even invite the “locals.”  You never know when they might pass along what they saw to a co-worker or another casual acquaintance.  Back in the day, the only people Realtors wanted at Open Houses were actual buyers.  In today’s market, the more people visiting the more interest is stirred up.  You can reach neighbors for very little money by having post cards printed up and hand-deliver them.  Vista Print, an online printing company, often has sales for up to 500 full-color glossy postcards for free.  All you pay is the shipping, ranging from $6 to $12 for rush delivery.

In Florida, during the summer months, offer iced tea and lemonade or fresh squeezed orange juice.  We did this with fruits from the actual tree in the Seller’s yard.  Buyers were really “wowed” by it.

In late fall you may want to offer spiced apple cider to give the “feeling” of fall.  Since we don’t really have a chill in the air until much later in the year, many people like the idea of fall.  You can create the feeling of a cozy fall day for visitors.

It goes without saying that if the property has an amazing view of sunset – you must hold your Open House during that time so buyers will see what they can enjoy every night if they buy that house.

If you would like us to help you plan the "perfect" Open House, please email Anne Jousou for a consultation!

Why Realtors Recommend Staging:

1. They earn more commissions:
   1. Listings sell quicker
   2. Listings sell for more money
   3. Less money is spent on advertising because homes sell faster
2. They avoid having to be the bad guy by telling their client negative things.
3. The Realtor's reputation with the seller will increase while the house continues to attract more buyers, as a result of Home Staging.
4. Home Staging builds their reputation for excellence and marketing.
5. Appraisers may appraise a Staged Home higher than one that has not been professionally Staged.
6. Realtors will have more time to pursue other deals because their listing may sell faster.
7. Ego - Every agent loves to have a beautiful home as a listing.

Learn how to Stage or own Listings!  Take our Home Staging for Realtors Workshop

Now that you have the listing, you stand to earn a nice commission.  But that’s just the beginning. You have to sell the house – fast and for a great price.  It sounds easy, and some times it is.  But, in today’s market, you may need a little help. You have toured your seller’s house.  Does it need work?  Could the furniture be better placed?  Does the color scheme and flow of the house scream “Buy Me?”  Have you considered offering your seller the services of a Home Stager?

Wouldn’t you love to spend more time getting new listings and selling more properties, while still giving your seller the best possible care and attention?  Recent studies clearly show that Staged Homes sell faster and for higher prices. We know from our personal experiences, that people buy homes based on feelings. Whether perceived, or real, they are buying a “way of life.” Sure, they have a list of “must-haves,” but the real truth is when they see a home that gives them that “wow” feeling. They want it, and they want it NOW!

As experienced Interior Decorators and seasoned Home Staging Professionals, We will give your listings that “wow” factor. Think of our company as an extension of your “sales team." We will work for you directly or for the seller.  It’s your choice.  Either way, you can benefit both financially and professionally by utilizing our services.

To learn more about staging, please visit our "What is Staging" section.

Please feel free to fill out the form below.  One of our Consultants will be happy to help you!

Serving the Greater Tampa Bay Area