Wednesday, April 6, 2011

6 Tips to Ensure a Successful Open House in Your North Shore Home!

Living in Chicago’s North Shore is a great experience for many of its residents! Whether you live in Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park or any of the surrounding cities, you know that the North Shore is a fantastic place to call home. There are great neighborhoods and communities that offer year round events, unique cultural experiences, mouth watering restaurants and much more!

You may have enjoyed living in the North Shore for some time, but perhaps a job transfer, other extenuating circumstances, or the desire to move to a new North Shore location has created the need for you to sell your North Shore home. As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I know that the home selling process can seem overwhelming. You may feel that you’re at the mercy of the current real estate market and that with the busy spring season you’re going to be facing a lot of competition with others who are trying to sell in the North Shore Real Estate market.

While it may be true that there are more homes coming onto the market each week, there are also more buyers who are looking! A great way to help your home stand out to North Shore buyers is through open houses. Your North Shore Real Estate agent will be hosting regular open houses to ensure that your home gets the exposure it deserves. If you’re wondering how to boost your homes’ appeal, below are six great ways to do so!

1. First Impressions- Believe it or not, a nice doormat or attractive porch can really set the tone for the entire open house. If there’s an old doormat, chipped paint or nothing special about the entrance to your home, buyers may feel that you don’t really care. A welcoming setting from the start will instantly let buyers know that your home is cared for and that each area of your home is well-maintained.

2. Make it Generic- It’s great to make your home personal; however your pictures, children’s art or your “to do” list on the refrigerator can be a large distraction to potential buyers. They need to be able to envision themselves in your home, so putting away those personal items will help buyers picture their life in your North Shore home.

3. Clear Counters- Look at your kitchen or bathroom counters from a outsiders viewpoint. Do you have too many appliances cluttering your kitchen counter? Clearing this space will give the appearance of more room for cooking or their own storage. If your bathroom counters are filled with perfumes, toothbrush holders, etc… take time to put them in cabinets or drawers so buyers can see the actual size of the space.

4. Set the Table- This may not seem necessary, but having your dining room table set with nice place settings add a touch of class and can help the North Shore buyer envision hosting their own dinner parties.

5. Get to the Heart- The best way to appeal to the buyers’ heart is through offering something special when they walk in the door. Whether you bake fresh cookies, have coffee or lemonade for them on your counter, these added touches will set your home apart. Lighting a mildly scented candle and having your home appropriately heated for the day’s weather can make your home instantly feel comfortable to the North Shore buyer.

6. Don’t Stick Around- While it may be tempting to want to hear what the potential buyers have to say, it can be awkward when the seller is present. They will feel that they can’t openly express their thoughts to the agent and will not feel as comfortable when looking throughout the home. Even if you take a walk through the neighborhood, being away from the home during an open house can make all the difference.

I hope these tips will help as you prepare to show your home to potential buyers. If you are not sure if now is a good time to sell, or have other questions about the North Shore Real Estate market, please let me know! I’d be happy to answer your questions and help you with the home selling process. My years of experience in selling North Shore homes will ensure that selling your home will be a smooth and stress free transaction.

Please feel free to contact me anytime to get started! I look forward to helping you sell your North Shore home!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


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