Events & Open Houses

Open houses are a great way to get started if you are considering the purchase of a new home in the Fort Collins area. Most open houses in the northern Colorado area are scheduled for weekends, which gives people plenty of time to browse our properties and a window of time that helps foster flexibility. The real estate section of the Coloradoan

is a great resource for finding the areas and price ranges that you are looking for in Fort Collins and northern Colorado.Skeptics often argue that serious homebuyers will schedule a time to see a home for sale with their realtor. But the fact is that most people have to work – sometimes very busy schedules – to afford their homes. Previewing properties on the weekends will work very well for these interested buyers.Open House Advantages:

• A public open house exposes your property to a wider range of potential buyers and increases the likelihood of a quick home sale.
• An open house might lure in people that were previously not looking to buy, or spur them into action if they were sitting on the fencepost of real estate indecision of “To buy…or not to buy?”
• Some people like to preview homes before scheduling an appointment.
• People who would not schedule an appointment for a house showing due to casual observations might actually take the time to stop in if they see an open house sign as they are driving by – or an advertisement in the local newspaper. These people often times find that they are in fact interested, despite their initial reluctance.
• Homes that lack curb appeal are great candidates for the open house. Often times buyers discover that the interior of the house more than makes up for the lack of exterior aesthetic value.

Open House Tips:

• Make sure your home is clutter-free before an open house. Nothing makes a house or condo show better than an air of simplicity and tidiness. Cleanliness also gives the open house visitor the idea that the property has been well cared for, which will in turn increase interest in the property.
• Unless you are selling the property yourself, the seller should not be on site for the open house. Research suggests that people attending the open house will not be as relaxed and will not spend as much time at your house if the owner is present. The feeling of relaxation is very important if you wish to get the greatest impact of your open house.
• Try playing some soothing music on a low volume or baking some cookies prior to the open house to give it that homey smell. This too can add to the overall environmental impact on the potential buyer and really work to your advantage.
• Put an ad in your local newspaper
• Create and distribute flyers in nearby shopping centers
• Tell all of your friends, family, and anyone else that will listen about the sale of your property, as well as dates and times for the upcoming open houses.
• If going through a real estate office, ask them to post at least one good picture of your home. When it comes to on-line interest in homes, pictures sell.