How to sell up in... 48 hours

Picture the scene. Several potential buyers are viewing your potential buyers are viewing your property at the same time.

One gets excited by the place and soon enough they’re all thinking,” Wow, this IS a nice home!”

This is how “open house” viewings work-where, rather than arrange viewings over weeks or months, all interested buyers are invited to come over the course of a day or a weekend.

More and more estate agents swear by them, saying they sell a home far more quickly. Laura Humphrey, says seeing that other people are interested in buying a property give viewers more confidence. 

“If you turn up at a house and you see 15 other people there, you realise it’s a desirable property, “it also puts the pressure on and buyers will get their act together for fear of losing out.” 

How does it work?

•invitation only:

Humphrey and Brand only invite buyers on their books. This is the safest way as all those who come around will already be registered and only serious buyers turn up.

•staggered viewings:

Buyers are invited to come one at a time during a set period. This is convenient if you don’t fancy 20 people in your house at once but still want to get all the viewing done in a day.

•will it work for my house?

It doesn’t work for everyone. Smaller homes won’t hold lots of people at once and parking space is essential too. An unusual or niche property trends to benefit from individual appointments where people can explore and get a feel for it over a few more viewings

•when should I hold an open house day?

Sooner rather than later. Open house days are a good way to “launch” your house and will generate most interest when your house is new on the market.

•will I have to go to lots of effort?

It’s always worth making an effort when people come to view your home. With an open house you can do it in one go, rather than trying to keep things neat for weeks and months choose the time for the viewing carefully. Usually we will suggest a two-hour slot, look at what time of day shows off your house and garden in the best light.

Clean, mow the lawn, weed the garden and clean the windows and turn on all the lights. Put the cat out and take your dog for a walk. In a house full of people, pets only get in the way.

And don’t order a curry the night before. It sounds obvious, but a fresh-smelling house is an essential.

•should I get involved?

Buyers can find it awkward with the owners there but they also like being able to ask questions the agents can’t always help with.

•how long will I have to wait for offers?

Set a deadline. If buyers know when best and final offers must be in, they will stop dithering and make a decision. The competition will also encourage them to bid higher.

•do I have to accept?

Only if you’re sure. Be aware that the first offer might not be the best. ”open house viewings force the buyers hand,” says Laura Humphrey. “But this can sometimes lead to sales falling though later on.”

•what if I don’t get an offer?

Sometimes people need time and a follow-up viewing before they make a decision. “Open houses are great kick-start but often it’s a combination of this plus a few weeks of this plus a few weeks of appointment viewings that give the best results.”