What is the most important thing to do before an open house, aside from deep clean?
The most important thing before an open house is creating a celebration-style marketing campaign. Too many agents rely on what I call the 3P’s: 1) Put up a sign, 2) Put it in the MLS, and 3) Pray. That’s simply not enough! Your open house deserves comprehensive promotion across all online platforms. Even more effective is personally canvassing the neighborhood, knocking on doors to invite neighbors the week before. This approach delivers tremendous value – it demonstrates your commitment to working hard for sellers in that community. Neighbors appreciate this dedication and may contact you when they’re ready to sell. Remember, depending on the area, especially in neighborhoods like Florin or Oak Park where we regularly purchase homes, not everyone relies on technology to find listings.
An open house creates that crucial first impression for potential buyers. Smart agents coordinate with other nearby open houses for maximum impact. This isn’t competition – it’s collaboration that benefits everyone. They direct visitors to your event, and you return the favor. Open houses thrive on momentum – the more people who attend, the more interest and curiosity builds, creating a sense of demand that can drive offers.
Should the seller be there for the open house, or is it best for them to find something else to do?
Sellers should absolutely leave during the open house. Buyers need to feel comfortable exploring freely and privately. Having the owner present typically makes visitors uncomfortable and adds no value to the showing. In fact, after 30 years of real estate experience in Sacramento, I’ve found that many buyers (myself included) don’t even appreciate when agents hover too closely. When agents appear desperate to sell, buyers immediately sense this pressure and it becomes a major turnoff. Remember, people don’t sell houses – houses sell themselves when presented properly.
Is professional staging necessary for a great open house?
For a nice property with good bones, definitely yes. However, for homes that don’t show well, particularly older homes from the 1950s and 60s like those common in South Sacramento or North Highlands where we frequently buy properties, I actually recommend against it.
Effective staging generates excitement by showcasing possibilities buyers might not envision on their own. When professionally photographed, staged homes create a powerful online presence. Think about model homes in new developments – everyone remembers them! That’s what you want to recreate. As a veteran cash home buyer who specializes in purchasing and renovating properties throughout Sacramento, I always stage my properties – even mobile homes. I invest in quality staging and video tours for every property, regardless of whether it’s a fixer in Del Paso Heights or a tenant-occupied property in Florin. The strategic staging often makes properties appear even better online than they are in person.
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Since a lot of people shop online and use virtual walkthroughs, is an open house necessary in an online-first market?
Open houses remain incredibly valuable even in today’s digital world. As a California Broker with over 25 years of experience in Sacramento, I’ve seen this firsthand. A perfect example: I regularly share new MLS listings in our neighborhood with my wife. She’ll thoroughly review all 80 online photos and the virtual tour, and then invariably ask, “Can we go see it?”
While some consumers confidently purchase cars through Carvana or products on Amazon without hesitation, real estate is different. Many people still need to physically experience a property – to touch, feel, and see it for themselves. Yes, most buyers begin their search online, but limiting your marketing to digital channels means potentially missing a significant segment of buyers. It’s about creating a comprehensive experience. As a veteran-owned business with A+ BBB rating for over 6 years, we specialize in buying challenging properties throughout Sacramento, including those with squatters, tenant occupancy issues, probate complications, or facing foreclosure with a Notice of Default. We’re particularly active in Florin, South Sacramento, Oak Park, Del Paso Heights and North Highlands, where homes typically date back to the 1950s and 60s. Sell your home to darrenbuyshomescash, call (916) 300-7962 today and close in 10 days.
visit:
www.darrenbuyssacramentohomes.com
Real Estate Market Update 2025
https://cdn.carrot.com/uploads/sites/8221/2025/07/2024-11-01-Forecast-Video-1.pdf