Definition of "Open house"

Just to be clear: an Open house is not when you invite friends over to meet your new house. At least not in the real estate world.

When you hear someone talking about an Open House, they mean an event where the agent or the home seller opens his house so that interested homebuyers walk in and see with their own eyes how awesome that house is.

Oh, so an Open House is that moment in movies when the guy goes to the house and there are fruit platters and cheesy background music?

Yes, but if you are a real estate agent or home seller doing an Open House, please avoid this cliché. An Open House exists to “wow” home buyers and nothing says wow like being creative, innovative and classy. From the invitation, to the welcome sign outside the house and the event itself.

Because image is everything and the first impression matters, agents usually “dress” the house prior to the Open House. They normally:

-   Mow the lawn
-   Clean the bathrooms and the kitchen thoroughly
-   And sometimes even rearrange the furniture in a way that the house looks bigger and brighter

And of course: quality snacks to win clients by their stomach are a must at an Open House.

No wonder agents use the verb “to stage” when talking about the preparation for an open house, right?

Real Estate tip:

Liked the concept? Read our blog article and learn how to Optimize your next open house
.

Don't like the concept? You can try the Virtual Cyber Tours: The New Way to Show Properties.

Know where to find the best real estate agents with the coolest open houses? Look no further; check out The OFFICIAL Real Estate Agent Directory
® !

 

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

The cost of property, such as a home owned for tax purposes. For example, a home was purchased for $150,000. capital improvements to it cost $15,000. The house was later sold for $230,000. ...

Simulation that enables investors to determine variations in the rate of return on an investment property in accordance with changes in a critical factor. It is an experiment with decision ...

What is real estate speculation? The term real estate speculation may have a difficult definition, but explaining it may be easier. Think of the stock market, buying stocks when they are ...

Contractual clause freeing a party from personal liability. Foe example, an exculpatory clause in a mortgage agreement provides a mortgagor the ability to surrender a mortgage property in ...

Right to peaceful enjoyment of property while the legal title is held by one person and the property is used by another. ...

Taken out on property to replace or repair it if it malfunctions. It covers parts and/or service. An example is a warranty a homeowner takes out on a stove, refrigerator, or dishwasher. It ...

Style of architecture popular during the American Colonial Period. The 2-story house is square or rectangular. The steep gable roof extends down to the first floor in the rear. ...

Judicial finding that the debtor owes an amount exceeding the value of the collateral put up for the defaulted loan. ...

Method of selling and obtains possession, but the seller retains the title. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions