Southern California is home to some of the most lavish real estate in the country. The fabulous weather and access to pristine beaches and upscale amenities have lured affluent homeowners to this region for decades. Coronado, in particular, has become a playground for the lucky few, offering resort-style living in an unbeatable location.
The popularity of this area has resulted in a competitive market for luxury homes, so if you are planning to sell your property, you need to make sure it shines to attract potential buyers.
At Del Coronado Realty, we have extensive experience helping our clients list their properties, with a thorough understanding of what it takes to sell real estate in this little piece of paradise. To help you host the perfect showing, our team has assembled several open house tips for sellers to ensure you secure a lucrative deal.
Determine if an open house is right for you
Before committing to holding an open house for your luxury property, determine if this valuable marketing method is a good fit for you and your family. While a successful showing can increase your chances of finding the right buyer, it can also be a daunting experience for many people.
Allowing strangers into your home to evaluate your property and put every aspect of your style and design choices under a microscope might be too stressful to endure. But it doesn't have to be!
Our experienced real estate team can help make it easier — guiding you every step of the way, eliminating anxiety, and ensuring your property is showcase ready.
Why some buyers want to attend an open house
The modern digital age has opened new and exciting avenues for listing high-end real estate, with 3D mapping, virtual tours, professionally staged photos, and more. Potential buyers can learn everything they need to know about a property from the comfort of their laptop.
However, nothing can replace the feeling of entering a grand foyer or climbing an opulent staircase for the first time. Before a potential buyer decides to visit your home, they probably will have viewed the property online and determined they want to see more.
The ability to walk the grounds, stand in the kitchen, and explore the house can make or break a deal. Many buyers need to see a property in person before deciding if it is right for them, which is where the open house comes in.
The best time for hosting an open house
Once you have committed to hosting an open house, you must select a date and time that offers the best chance of attracting a steady stream of visitors, keeping in mind the following:
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Hold an open house on weekends, particularly Sundays, when most people are not quite as busy with work, school, or other extracurricular activities.
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Check the community calendar to make sure no events are happening that can pull prospective buyers away from your showing.
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Avoid holiday weekends, as they can often deter attendance.
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The middle of the day, when the sun is shining, is the best time to hold an open house.
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Schedule a block of four hours, giving attendees enough time to tour the grounds to envision the property's full potential.
You don't need to attend your open house
While you may be tempted to attend the open house, it is never a good idea. Your realtor can represent your best interests and speak candidly with potential buyers on your behalf, answering any questions they may have.
Open house attendees typically prefer working with a third party rather than an owner with a personal stake in the property. They will be more at ease, improving your chances of attracting a serious buyer.
On the day of the showing, find something enjoyable to do or visit an open house of a property you may be interested in purchasing. Trust your realtor to handle the details of the open house. By the time you return home, you will hopefully have an offer on the table.
Make sure your property shines
Before scheduling an open house and letting potential buyers into your home, we suggest you walk around your property and ask yourself the following questions:
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Is there any room that needs a fresh coat of paint?
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Do any repairs or improvements need to be done?
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Does the landscaping need attention?
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Does the patio and pool area look clean and refreshing?
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Are all appliances and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems working properly?
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Are any plumbing fixtures leaking or in need of repair?
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Does the exterior of the home need to be pressure washed?
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Are there any noticeable issues that need addressing?
When preparing to showcase your home, don't cut corners. Hire qualified contractors to take care of any work that needs to be completed before listing the property. Failing to correct minor issues can lead to the loss of a sale or a lower offer caused by noticeable flaws that could have been fixed.
Hire a professional staging company
A professional staging company can offer a fresh perspective, helping to highlight the best features of your luxury property. They will help you rearrange furniture and remove personal belongings, such as taking down wall hangings, awards, and photographs, to appeal to a more general audience.
Most staging companies will focus their attention on the living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, and dining room, as these areas typically draw prospective buyers into the property. An experienced stager will also remove clutter so prospective buyers can envision living in your home without distraction.
Prepare your home for visitors
According to the
2023 Profile of Home Staging by The National Association of Realtors®, the most common home improvement recommendations include:
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Declutter the home.
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Clean the entire property.
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Remove pets during showings.
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Take care of minor repairs.
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Clean carpets.
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Depersonalize the home.
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Paint walls and do touch ups where needed.
Put your best foot forward
Once your property is showcase ready, remove any valuable personal belongings, such as jewelry, expensive clothing, or artwork, to avoid the temptation for unsavory guests to take items that don't belong to them during an open house.
House Logic by Realtors® recommends hiring a cleaning company to do one last deep clean before the big day, focusing on:
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Making sure all windows, mirrors, and appliances are fingerprint-free.
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Cleaning and organizing cabinets, closets, and under sinks.
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Removing all traces of pets, such as litter boxes and dog beds.
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Eliminating any distracting odors.
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Deep cleaning all flooring and surfaces.
Make sure your landscaping company gives the property a once over, ensuring the grass is freshly mowed, trees and bushes trimmed, flower gardens free of weeds, and any other problem areas tended to. Curb appeal goes a long way in enticing potential buyers to attend an open house instead of just driving by.
Partner with Del Coronado Realty to host a successful open house
We offer open house tips for sellers to ensure our clients know what is involved with the process. We want you to be comfortable, knowing your property is in good hands during the showing.
Contact Del Coronado Realty, the top
Coronado realtors, to learn more about listing your property with us. We have extensive experience working with luxury homes, and our team can help you hold a successful open house to secure a lucrative deal.
