Open For Inspection
Open Houses are a great way to advertise and create interest in your property. The best time is generally a Saturday afternoon when people aren’t working, but prepare to be open for midweek inspections as requested.
Make sure you put a small advertisement in the real estate section of your local paper, and/ or put up signs in the front yard. Consider using directional signs such as the ones used for garage sales at intersections near you. Check with your local council to make sure you adhere to all regulations.

When the Day Arrives: Tips
Have plenty of the previously prepared Information Sheets to hand out to all prospective buyers
Don’t follow people around, let them explore the house by themselves. Let them know on arrival that you are available to answer any questions should they require.
Avoid discussing prices. Inform all prospective buyers that you will only take written offers from qualified buyers.

Safety Tips
Opening the door of your home to a group of strangers can be a dangerous thing if the wrong type of people attend. A few precautions can be taken to try to decrease your risk of theft or vandalism:

• Make specific times for any inspections. If you have people come  outside of this time, ask them to make an appointment and return at a later time.
• Agree on a limit of people in the house at any one time, and stick to it.
• Remove all valuables. Either put them in a safety deposit box or a trusted family member or friend to mind.
• Make sure you’re never alone. Either ask a friend or family member to attend with you, or inform them of when you are planning on having the open house and a time to ring to let them know that everything went well.
• Don’t tell anyone when you will be not home, and avoid giving out the home phone number so people can check if you are home or not. Use a mobile number where possible.
• Don’t forget that it is ultimately your decision if people enter or not. If you feel uncomfortable, don’t let them in.