7 Tips for a Successful Summer Open House

If you're planning to sell your home this summer, hosting an open house can be a powerful tool to generate excitement and attract potential buyers. Regardless of market conditions, research indicates that sellers who organize open houses tend to sell their homes for approximately $9,000 more and seven days faster than those who don't.

To ensure a successful summer open house, consider implementing these top tips: 

Tip #1: Strategically schedule your open house.

Opt for a weekend afternoon or evening to maximize attendance. Weekends typically offer greater availability for potential buyers. Choosing the afternoon or early evening ensures that the timing is convenient for all potential buyers. It's also ideal for showcasing your home in optimal lighting, enhancing its appeal.

Tip #2: Keep it cool.

With the summer heat in full swing, it's crucial to create a comfortable atmosphere inside your home. Highlight the functionality of your air conditioning system by maintaining a pleasant temperature that offers a refreshing respite from the scorching sun. Strike a balance between cool and cozy to leave a positive first impression on visitors.

Tip #3: Offer summer refreshments.

Improve your open house experience by providing summer-themed refreshments. Offer refreshing beverages like cold lemonade or iced tea, and consider serving seasonal snacks such as watermelon slices or fresh fruit popsicles. For an added touch, consider introducing a fun element like a snowcone machine or hosting a backyard barbecue. The more time people spend in your home, the more likely they are to fall in love with it.

Tip #4: Enhance your landscaping.

Utilize the beauty of your outdoor space to captivate potential buyers. Summer is an excellent time to showcase vibrant greenery, blooming flowers, and well-maintained landscaping. Before the open house, invest time in tidying up flower beds, trimming the lawn, and watering the plants to create a lush and inviting ambiance. Pay attention to any necessary repairs or cleaning tasks to enhance your curb appeal as it can add substantial value to your home.

Tip #5: Showcase your outdoor space.

If you have a spacious backyard, patio, fire pit, water feature, or any other attractive outdoor elements, ensure they take center stage during the open house. Highlight these features as desirable amenities that buyers can immediately use upon moving in. By allowing visitors to envision themselves enjoying these outdoor spaces, you increase the likelihood of receiving competitive offers.

Tip #6: Illuminate your home.

Harness the power of natural light to create an open and inviting atmosphere in your home. Clean your windows and glass doors thoroughly, replace dim bulbs with brighter, white-light alternatives, and consider using light-colored window dressings and lampshades. Adequate lighting is highly sought after by buyers, and optimizing it for your open house will make your space feel more spacious, airy, and welcoming.

Tip #7: Nature's touch.

Embrace the 2023 design trend of incorporating nature indoors through colors, natural finishes, and living plants. Not only do plants enhance the aesthetic appeal, but they also evoke a sense of warmth and comfort that resonates with many buyers. Opt for easy-to-maintain houseplants with lush foliage, such as philodendrons, pothos, or spider plants. These green additions not only freshen the atmosphere but also provide tangible health benefits, making your home even more desirable to potential buyers. 

By following these tips, you'll be well-equipped to host an unforgettable summer open house that maximizes buyer interest, facilitates a faster sale, and potentially fetchers a higher price for your home.