by Clinton Maxwell.

What is the best thing about an open house used as a selling tool in real estate? The simplest answer would be: opportunity. A well-planned and conducted open house gives the seller a chance to show the property in its best light, while the same event gives the buyer ample time to see the home as it is meant to be.



Statistics show that potential homebuyers and real estate investors attend open houses even when they have no immediate plans to purchase. These professionals "lookers" will sometimes make an offer on the basis of what they see at an open house. When the seller takes the time to put the house in good order and conducts a comfortable open house, the event becomes a quality sales opportunity and a very good buying opportunity.



What does the seller need to do before opening a home for potential buyers and others with interest in real estate? The first and most obvious task involves cleaning the property from top to bottom, inside and out. Nothing sends buyers away more quickly than an unclean home, uncut lawn, peeling paint….you get the idea.



If family members and friends do not have the time to do this cleaning and preparation fully, it may be wise to hire a professional cleaning service. Remember to include this cost in any figures for potential profit. If your family or a renter is still living in the home, this task may be a little more difficult. But it should not be omitted! Presenting the home to potential buyers is so important that the cleaning must be completed with attention to detail. Be particularly aware of small stains and those minor odors that can turn a sale into "no thanks" very quickly.



One thing potential buyers don't want to see is a cluttered home. A major part of the cleaning and fix up should involve removing loose items and storing possessions in boxes. If possible, it might be best to remove some of this clutter from the premises temporarily. The time spent taking care of this may be well worth it if the home sells.



Many professional real estate sales professionals pay particular attention to making the home seem comfortable for those visiting and those interested in buying. Personal items such as family pictures, collectibles and so on should be stored out of site during the open house. The goal is to have the potential buyer "see" the home as theirs, with their photos and other personal items on the shelves and walls.



Real estate pros also take a few minutes to remove excess furniture, so that rooms appear slightly larger. This is much more inviting to the visitor and could be the difference between selling the house and finding another buyer. Be ready to accommodate a request to see the home at unusual hours, so that working people have a chance. Add a few snacks, cookies and simple drinks to this open house preparation and the nice home may just sell itself.



Clinton Maxwell routinely pens news stories on issues related to Costa Blanca and Benidorm. His contributions on new properties in la manga are published on http://www.alicante-spain.com/lamanga_property.html .