Open houses are a debatable topic with real estate agents. Some say they aren’t necessary in the age of the internet when options can be narrowed online. Others argue that closing yourself off will limit the number of possible buyers.
What everybody agrees on is that hosting a successful open house is an art that requires some tricks to pull off. Here are five to try out.
Choose Wise Hours
Find out the most popular hours for open houses in the neighborhood and coordinate around those times. If most open houses end at 4 p.m. then consider ending an hour later at 5 p.m.
This extra hour will bring in house hunters who went the entire day without finding something they wanted as well as people who rushed through every other open house so they could see them all. If there are no other open houses then there’s no reason to rush.
Embrace Technology
Most buyers, especially young ones, are starting their home search online. New apps and websites are launching every day and staying up to date on the newest real estate tech hangouts will allow a seller to hit the popular sites as well as advertise to tech-savvy buyers who are embracing new hotspots.
Change Up The Signs
Not only should there be a lot of signage, but the signs should be tailored towards different demographics. Wealthier areas should be signed with tasteful and professional signs while some cute, handwritten signs will bring in the bargain hunters who are looking for something affordable.
De-Personalize Everything
Every buyer needs to be able to see him or herself living in the home. Anything controversial or personal will remind them of the people living there now and get in the way of their imagination running wild. Clean out anything political, controversial or family related before opening the doors.
Learn From The Criticism
An unsuccessful open house is an opportunity to remain open minded and discover exactly what pushed away a day’s worth of potential buyers. Any criticism or feedback should be used to make changes before the next open house so that the same mistakes aren’t repeated on a new group.
What works for one region may not work for another and only a real estate professional with experience in the area will know what tips have proven successful in your neighborhood.  Give me a call for tips that will work for you – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
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4656 W Aztec Drive
Eloy, AZ 85131
$659,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,299
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6733944
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MOVE-IN-READY, Spectacular GOLF COURSE views abound through huge windows in great room, kitchen and master bedroom. The master bath and custom master walk-in closet are huge. Open concept kitchen features granite counters with full back splash, large island, staggered knotty alder cabinets, stainless steel appliances. Landscaped with walkways down both sides of the house. Front courtyard w/ pony wall, large back patio, including new hot tub w/pergola, and new outdoor linear gas fireplace with TV. Outdoor grill with bar height seating. A beautiful home you can compare to a new build, with all the extras included. Two car and golf cart garage, epoxy floor and professionally installed floor to ceiling cabinets. This home can come FURNISHED with few exclusions or unfurnished, buyers choice.
9904 E Monterey Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85209
$659,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,701
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6735242
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
$10,000 seller credit!!! Welcome to this beautiful home in the Prestigious Augusta Ranch Golf community. Home has 4 large Bedrooms, Split Floor Plan, Separate Living & Family Rooms w/ Vaulted Ceilings. The Eat-In Kitchen has an Island/Breakfast Bar, Gas Range, b/i Microwave, walk in pantry & additional built in Cabinets in Laundry Room. Primary bathroom has Shower & Tub, Dual Sinks & Walk-In Closet. This home has Ceiling fans, wood plantation shutters & neutral 2 tone paint throughout. The Large Backyard is perfect for your next BBQ w/ an enormous Covered Patio & 3 fruit trees (lime, orange, grapefruit), palm trees and is extra spacious. 3 car Garage has many b/i Cabinets, Service Door & tankless water heater. This home is in one of the best communities in East Valley.
10348 E Tupelo Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$659,900
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,319
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6759378
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Spacious home! Unique circular entrance with an open split floorplan. This is a must see 3 bedroom + den, roomy owners suite with dual vanities & bench shower. The 2 guest bedrooms share a Jack n' Jill bath with each bedroom having their own private vanity. Home also features a den, powder room, granite island kitchen and full wall granite backsplash with seating and upgraded cabinets, dining area, separate laundry and a 3 car garage. Floor upgrades and barely lived in, on an oversized lot with room for a pool, this home is located in a desirable location and walking distance to the Encore Club. (WHEW!!!) All this could be yours!
1413 W Coral Reef Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85233
$659,900
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,490
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769275
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
This stunning waterfront villa is situated in the highly sought-after Coral Reef subdivision at The Islands. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, the home offers breathtaking lake views from the master bedroom, family room, and dining room. The first floor and all bathrooms are adorned with elegant Travertine flooring. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening sunsets on the patio, located right by the water's edge. The community pool is just steps away, making this home not only a place to live, but a lifestyle to embrace.
2071 E Remington Place
Chandler, AZ 85286
$659,900
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,378
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6778065
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Charming Chandler home with 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a den, & a loft, there's plenty of room for everyone. The kitchen is complete with a granite island, ideal for entertaining. The spacious master suite features a private gas fireplace, laminate wood flooring, his-and-hers built-in dressers, and a large walk-in shower. Step into your resort-style backyard with a covered patio, separate ramada, built-in gas BBQ, firepit, specialty lighting, planters, and a play pool with a waterfall. Low-maintenance synthetic grass keeps it easy year-round. The property also includes a 3-car garage, RV gate, and extra parking slab. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac near parks and greenbelts!
1295 E Elysian Pass
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
$659,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,949
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6780498
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Step into luxury with this stunning ''Nice'' plan home, designed to impress. The gourmet kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances, custom light fixtures, and a beautiful backsplash. Enjoy the rolling wall of windows that open to an expansive backyard oasis with a spacious patio, cozy fireplace, lush turf grass, extended travertine pavers, mature trees, and a fenced yard—perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The den, with its custom-built bookcase, is ideal for a home office. The large laundry room offers ample cabinet space and an additional desk area. Located at Encanterra Golf & Country Club Resort, this well-maintained home offers world class amenities at your doorstep. Enjoy dining at La Casa, stay fit at the state-of-the-art fitness center, or unwind in the indoor pool and spa.
44811 N 12th Street
New River, AZ 85087
$659,800
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,072
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768506
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Acre+ Private Santa Fe Territorial Home with 10 ft soaring ceilings. Awesome mountain and desert views with a private setting to enjoy and relax in the AZ Climate. Home features 3 bedrooms 2 baths, fireplace, 2.5 car garage, den, and fireplace. Spacious primary bedroom with large walk in closet. Primary bath has large garden tub, Huge Seperate shower, and double vanity sinks. Open floorplan with Great Rm concept featuring large picture windows, fireplace, and 10ft + beamed ceilings. Loads of sspace for all your toys and vehichles. No hoa.
25137 N 171st Avenue
Surprise, AZ 85387
$659,535
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,065
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776933
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MLS# 6776933 March Completion! Choose the exterior that speaks to you! Then, head through the porch and into the foyer to find three bedrooms and one bathroom on this side of the home. Across the foyer is a laundry room, an additional bedroom and bathroom, and the entry to your two-car garage. Keep going to discover beautiful open concept living: a great room flows to a casual dining area, kitchen with an island, and covered outdoor living, the perfect spot for hosting! Tucked away is a serene primary suite with a spa-inspired bathroom and spacious walk-in closet. Structural options include: paver front porch, 12' x 8' 8' multi-slide door at gathering, super shower at primary bathroom, gourmet kitchen, and study in lieu of bedroom 2.
20574 S 194th Place
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$659,500
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,596
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6679596
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This stunning single level home features a large eat in kitchen, walk-in pantry, great room, and flexible bonus/den/dining room. The luxurious primary suite includes a large bathroom with separate vanities, soaking tub and a huge walk-in closet. The laundry room has access from the primary closet and secondary bedrooms hallway. The main living areas have wood-look tile, with cozy carpet in the bedrooms. This home is beautifully appointed with double ovens and granite counters in the kitchen, raised vanities in the bathrooms, double sinks in the 2nd bath and plantation shutters throughout. Easy maintenance back yard and desert landscaped front yard. Backyard is plumbed for natural gas - perfect for a BBQ. 3 car tandem garage is plumed for water softener. Washer/dryer included.
20677 N 16th Way
Phoenix, AZ 85024
$659,100
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,488
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6738436
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Amazing opportunity in Phoenix, AZ. Single level home with approximately 2,488 square feet. Includes a three-car attached garage. The home sits on a lot of approximately 11,976 square feet. Buyers check with City, County, Zoning, Tax, and other records to their satisfaction. AS-IS Sale.
15716 W Sierra Street
Surprise, AZ 85379
$659,000
5
Beds
3.5
Baths
4,035
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6725319
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover luxury living in this well maintained home built in 2007, nestled in the heart of Greer Ranch North. Boasting 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, this residence offers ample space for both relaxation and entertaining. Step inside to find a versatile den, ideal for a home office or study, complemented by a formal living and dining area. The family room provides a cozy retreat, perfect for gatherings. Upstairs, a generous bonus loft offers additional flexibility, whether used as a play area, media room, or second family room. The heart of this home lies in its lovely kitchen, with granite countertops, and a convenient island for casual dining. Adjacent is a spacious breakfast nook, overlooking the tranquil backyard oasis.
11620 S 217th Avenue
Buckeye, AZ 85326
$659,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,467
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762379
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Be the proud owner of this residence sitting on a 1-acre lot with amazing mountain views! The double custom ironwork doors open to a semi-open layout featuring vaulted ceilings, durable tile flooring, neutral paint, and gorgeous light fixtures. Entertain your guests in the living area or host a feast in the formal dining! The kitchen showcases quartz counters, SS appliances, a stylish backsplash, cabinetry w/crown moulding, and a center island w/breakfast bar. The main bedroom is a true retreat, with its ensuite boasting dual sinks and a walk-in closet. Discover an expansive backyard that provides a covered patio, artificial turf, well-laid pavers, a Ramada w/built-in BBQ, an additional pergola, and a barn/stalls for your horses. This is the one for you! Don't wait!