Attending an open house can be an exciting diversion from the day-to-day chores of a home buyer. Little do home buyers know of the preparation it took to influence their arrival. If you are looking to sell your home this season and don’t know what makes an open house stand out, J.Christopher Real Estate Group would like to share some tips that will make your home shine.

“An open house is the perfect opportunity to sell the merits of a property and have buyers fall in love with your home,” said Jarrod C. Lewis, owner of J.Christopher Real Estate Group. “One way realtors know they can improve the success of an open house is when the property in question receives plenty of traffic, but few leads.”

Some of the reasons potential buyers will leave an open house quickly include the home’s price and outward appearance. By working with a J.Christopher Real Estate agent, home sellers can close those disadvantages and sell their home fast and for a fair value. Lewis said home sellers can be active participants in the sale of their home by understanding a few basic strategies when it comes to organizing an open house.

Here are some tips that can help home sellers make the most of their open house:

Provide stunning photos

It is said that a “picture is worth a thousand words” and home sellers can use photos to their advantage when inviting buyers to their open house. With the help of a J.Christopher Real Estate agent, sellers can hook potential buyers with photos of brightly lit rooms that show plenty of open space.

Avoid crowding your home

In preparation of an open house, home sellers should make arrangements to park their cars somewhere else. Besides creating an idea of what the home looks like when vacant, buyers can get a better sense of how their vehicles will fit in the driveway.

Remove unnatural odors

Home sellers should make an attempt to remove the fragrances of cologne, air fresheners, and other synthetic odors. While it is unlikely to cause buyers an allergic reaction, they may not have the same preferences as you and might associate your home with those fragrances when it’s time to make a decision.

Present documentation

Statistics about the home that highlight its strengths should be readily available for visitors. Besides containing essential information such as square footage, the number of rooms, and photos, the documents can help buyers recall details about your home.

Open the blinds

One of the most requested features buyers have for a home is having plenty of natural light. Sellers can take advantage of that request by opening all the blinds, drapes and window coverings.

Let the potential buyer explore uninterrupted

Once guests have made formal introductions, realtors understand the importance of letting buyers explore the home without being hovered over. For this very reason, we encourage sellers and families not to be present during the tours. Arrangements should also be made for pets.

There is more than one way to make an open house enjoyable for potential buyers and a success for sellers. With the help of a J. Christopher Real Estate agent, sellers can relax knowing the proper steps are being taken to sell their home quickly and at a fair value. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, speak with one of our agents at 401-830-6906 to learn how we can help you.

 

 

 

 

Buying a home in some ways is like buying a used car. Most consumers should take the time to inspect a vehicle for dings and dents, pay attention to a car’s sounds, and should look at the vehicles’ history report before making a decision. That’s where the similarities end because, unlike a car, homes typically build equity for their homeowner and it is something that can be passed down for future generations. As more people jump into the real estate market in search of their dream home, J.Christopher Real Estate Group would like to share some warning signs all home buyers should be wary of when they are touring potential properties.

“Emotions can run high for families that believe they found their dream home,” said Jarrod C. Lewis, owner of J.Christopher Real Estate Group. “While we are thrilled when we help home buyers pinpoint a home they really want, we feel it is important to mention red flags when we notice them.”

Identifying issues that can be a problem down the line serves two purposes, according to Lewis. One reason is that it can help realtors at the negotiating table. Another reason is because it can help home buyers know some of the costs they may be responsible for if they decide to proceed with the transaction.

Here are some warning signs buyers should be mindful of when purchasing a home:

Renovations are questionable

Home buyers that are impressed by kitchen, bathroom, and living room renovations should be able to see a paper trail of those updates. While it is not necessary to have a home up to city code to sell it in the market, certain code violations can be dangerous and costly to fix in the future.

Areas in the home smell strange

Typically, areas in the home that have experienced a flood will have a musty smell. Ask about the property’s history with floods and whether those issues have been resolved. Sometimes, fixing the issue could be as simple as sealing the foundation.

Some light switches don’t work

Upon entering a home, buyers might turn on a switch and no light turns on. The issue can be expensive to fix if something in the electrical box is to blame. Home buyers can narrow down the problem by checking every light switch and, if possible, asking to turn on multiple appliances at the same time.

Home touch ups are not consistent

Home sellers like to make their home more appealing by applying a fresh coat of paint when putting their home up on the market. The updates can be concerning if only specific sections of the home were painted, potentially hiding a cosmetic problem.

The neighborhood has for sale signs everywhere

Neighborhoods are important to consider because they have an impact on your home’s value. If a small detour shows you that several homes in the neighborhood are for sale or stores are going out of business, home buyers may want to consider buying a home elsewhere.

A look at the foundation can tell you a lot

A crack in the foundation may not seem like a big deal, but it can be a symptom of larger problems that could extend throughout the home years later.

While many of these issues can be immediately apparent, sometimes these signs are not easy to spot. In order to help home buyers remain completely satisfied with their purchase in the years to come, J.Christopher Real Estate Group encourages all home buyers to have a professional inspection performed. If you see a listing that has caught your attention, call us at 401-830-6906 to speak with one of our agents today.

 

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