How to Create the Perfect Atmosphere in an Open House

By Meghan Belnap

Making potential buyers comfortable during an open house is one way to improve your odds of getting a bid. The right setting can make all the difference in how people perceive the property.

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Here are four excellent ways to ensure people feel welcome on open house day:

Make It Feel Comfortable

Having the home at a temperature that's not too hot or cold is critical. If there are drafts, then you may need to caulk some windows or install weatherstripping. To get the best results, you can contact your home heating and cooling specialist for a checkup before the event. They can offer suggestions, clean the ducts and minimize hot or cold spots.

Put On Pleasant Music

Great music can make people feel empowered, uplifted and ready to buy. To keep from offending any group or person, it's important to choose songs that are classy and well-known. For example, a rap playlist likely won't entice many buyers to purchase a home in the suburbs, but perhaps, a mix of Aretha Franklin, Taylor Swift and the Beatles might. You could also go with classical or other instrumental music.

Flowers and Candles

The way a home smells can make a huge difference whether people want to put in a bid. When they walk in and smell fresh flowers or another lovely scent, it can take them back to their childhood. The right aroma may make them feel like they're at home. While offering food at open houses is not always the best bet, placing a pan of cookies in the oven before the showing can be helpful. At the end of the open house, they can always be your treat for a job well done.

Brighten Up Each Room

Natural light does a lot of things for a home showing. For one, it can make the home feel bigger. Opening all the blinds and curtains will let the most light into the house. If you have old lights, then purchasing new LED bulbs can bring more brightness to fresh paint and upgrades. Plus, older bulbs can catch a lot of dust which will darken the room, so swapping them out is the best way to get more light on a dreary day.

Making your home feel welcoming during the showing is a fantastic way to speak to potential buyers without saying a word. The way a house looks and smells is crucial—people see and make decisions using their senses. When the house is clean and inviting, people are more apt to want to make a purchase!

Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She finds happiness in researching new topics that help expand her horizons. Looking for a heating and cooling specialist? Belnap recommends working with Bell-Air Air Conditioning.