How to prepare for an open house and other property insights

AGENT INSIGHT: LJ Hooker sales consultant Tanya Williams provides interesting insights for how to best prepare for an open house display.

Tanya Williams from LJ Hooker Gladstone knows all about open houses. . Picture: Photo Contributed

MEET LJ Hooker Gladstone sales consultant Tanya Williams.

Ms Williams has worked at the company for four years and believes her diverse skills in a rising and falling market are a great asset to LJ Hooker.

This week she provides some interesting insights for how to best prepare for an open house display as well as what's happening in the Gladstone market.

Here is what she had to say:

Time in real estate

Located in Agnes Water and operating a business with my husband I was given the chance by a retiring real estate agent to enter the real estate market.

This enabled me to still have the flexibility of running my household chores and taking care of my family.

I was recognised in the top 10 in the state for LJ Hooker, Ray White and but the most rewarding feeling of all is the continuing client base I've had for the past 21 years.

My clients continually come back and reward me with their trust in my commitment to sell their property.

My advice for first home buyers

Firstly, go and speak to a financial advisor and know how much you can commit to borrow. 

Don't over commit and allow for balance in the rise of interest rates and family work, for example, children and loss of income.

Invest in solid stock in good areas with sound industry and growth potential.

Look at the long term commitment for capital growth.

The Gladstone market

What is interesting at the moment is the oversupply of housing and the small demand for sales with the industry slowing to the next phase of construction to operation.

Days on market are longer (up to 90 days), giving larger marketing budgets for the seller which in turn gives the buyers a lot more choice of properties at an all-time low price.

Good attendance of open homes on the weekends indicates the homes have been priced to sell.

How best to prepare for an open house

You never get a second chance to make a first impression!

So with preparing for an open house you need to clean, do a complete spring clean, and then clean again.

Clear the clutter to make the rooms bigger, turn the lights on to give more lighting, make sure there is no bad smells by opening some windows.

If it is hot turn on the air conditioner, add some potpourri or air freshener and puff up pillows on the lounges to give the feeling of comfort and serenity.

Some owners like to turn the slow cooker on with a stew cooking or bake some bread in the oven to give a homely touch.

Freshly cut flowers in vases around the house are a great touch, too. 

Outside you should weed your garden and keep the lawn trimmed when opening your home for inspection.