How do I market my house?

Open house showings

Agent's open house
With an agent's open house, your Realtor invites the other Realtors from the agency to view your house. If you have signed an MLS® agreement, Realtors from other agencies may also be invited.

Public open house
With a public open house, members of the public are invited to walk through your home and have a look. It's an efficient way to show your home to many potential buyers at once. Your Realtor acts as host, answering any questions.

You shouldn't be present during a pubic open house. If you must be present, keep a low profile. Put any valuables out of sight. Your Realtor will suggest lots of tips to making your open house a success.

• Turn off the TV
  
• Put the dog out
  
• Make sure you clean all the rooms
  
• Open the drapes (light means bright)
  
• Avoid leaving any cooking odours
  
• Open the windows, if possible (fresh is best)
  
  Individual showings
  To give your Realtor access to your home to show individual buyers, you may wish to keep a key at the Realtor's office or in a lockbox.

What other marketing tools are available?

The "For Sale" sign on your front lawn
This is how many buyers find homes. Make sure your sign is in excellent condition and clean of city grime.

Advertising in newspapers
Make sure that the type and frequency of advertising exposure for your home is outlined in the listing agreement.