An open house can be a great way to get more exposure for your house and attract potential buyers. Some real estate agents are able to get up to 20 percent of their sales from open houses, so you have a very real chance of making a sale from an open house. To increase the chances of being successful, follow these open house ideas.

Time Your Open House Party Correctly

To find a good time for your open house party, check the local listings in the newspaper and online to find popular days for open houses. For example, many open houses take place on Sunday afternoons between 1 and 4 p.m. If you can’t do it on a Sunday, a Saturday is the next best option.

Advertise Your Open House

Plan your open house at least a week in advance. Place advertisements in the local newspaper and online. Set up open house signs (and attach colorful balloons) in a busy intersection close to your home, with arrows pointing in the right direction, and put a big sign in front of the house itself. (Your real estate agent may do some of this on her own).

How to Stage Your House

Your goal is to create a great first impression of your house to the potential buyers who stop by. You’ll want to clean and “de-clutter” the house from top to bottom. Since buyers are more interested in open spaces, put away any extra furniture that makes the rooms look cramped. Turn on all the lights and open the curtains.

For ambiance, try playing soft music on each floor. Set out fresh-cut flowers, using a local florist if possible–that way, if potential buyers ask about the flowers, you can use that opportunity to chat with them about some of the services in your neighborhood. Finally, consider baking cookies the morning of the open house. Refreshments are expected at open house parties, and baking cookies yourself will give your home a pleasant and warm aroma. (Stay away from air fresheners, though–many people are allergic to these strong scents.)

Setting Up an Open House–Safety First

Many homeowners are wary of letting strangers into their homes. A few safety precautions can make all the difference. Lock away valuables before allowing people into your home. Never hold an open house alone. When showing the house, always follow visitors into the rooms, rather than leading them–never allow yourself to be trapped.

Make the Sale Easy

Consider the following strategies for turning your open house party into a sale:

• Be available to answer questions about the house.
• Be prepared to talk to buyers about financing costs, and find out if interested buyers have been pre-approved for a mortgage.
• Fill out a contract if you get an offer at the open house.
• Provide a guest registration book. Send thank-you notes to everyone who attended and follow up with buyers who seemed interested.