I read that the best open houses now have refreshments for the people who come: mini sandwiches, small snacks, cookies, guest books.

we're having one next Sunday. Is that TOO over the top to do the refreshment thing? This house HAS to sell ASAP - like yesterday b/c we just found out today that dh has to report to DC for work by Aug 6.

any other suggestions? we're extremely low on cash right now, so nothing elaborate please.

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"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God? " ~Epicurus

I really don't think that serving refreshments will have an impact in making a sale. My opinion: Hang on to your cash!

How about burning a candle in the kitchen .... a pumpkin pie or banana bread one...something like that.

cj/

If you are planning on serving refreshments, tell EVERYONE you are having an open house cause you never know who has a friend or family member interested in your house. I agree with the pp that said use a fresh baked candle to burn in your house. It creates an open inviting aroma and causes people to look around a bit more. What's exciting about your house that the other houses on your block don't have? Come up with an email campaign to pass around to your close and trusted friends that tells the intimate details about your house so they can pass it along to others. Post signs over and above what your realtor has done maybe at local grocery stores or on corners just like you would a garage sale. This is all I can come up with for now...

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Open House tips:
Open Houses - How to Hold Successful Open Houses - Selling a House from Open Houses

I have no idea what refreshments to serve but think something cool and refreshing (ie veggie tray, lemonade, popsicles, fresh fruit tray???) if you want to.

I'd keep it simple though. I always feel that when there is food served, there will also be a mess (especially if children come) which you might not want to deal with now.

I always think people are burning candles to mask odors. Besides really hard on people with asthma or allergies. You might lose a sell because they can't be with scents.

I helped a builder/friend show some new houses several years back. He needed someone to be there while people came through during open house. He had me bake Toll House cookies in the kitchen while people were there to create a warm, cozy feeling. The houses sold...and I gained about 10 pounds! LOL!

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If you're not living on the edge, you're wasting space.

I have always felt that part of the psychology of providing refreshments is to get people to linger. Then they also sell a house sells within the first minute or so of someone walking in the door.

Since it is hot where you are maybe some canned sodas, botle water and a candy dish would be enough.

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TLJ ~ Women United in Spirit

Did you find a place to rent in Maryland or ?

I was thinking maybe at least something to drink. Some bottled water, lemonade or a few sodas. Forget the food, save your money.

fresh baked cookies and bottled water

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

When we sold our last house, our realtor had us leave fresh baked oatmeal cookies for the open house. Turns out they were his favorite and he ate most of them.

haha...I hope that he sold your house for you, too!

I don't think you have to leave anything out. I would be afraid that people would walk around spilling things all around the house. I have never been to an open house with any food. If you do feel you need to have something I would have bottles of water and maybe a plate of cookies that if they spilled crumbs around could be cleaned up easily.

Thanks you guys. I appreciate it. I think I'll go w/ the water and cookies.

read52, we haven't found anywhere yet. I don't want to look until we sell the house. I am so worried about this that I can't sleep and just feel like crying. what if it doesn't sell soon?

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"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God? " ~Epicurus

We just bought 1. 5 years ago and I would say 50% of the open houses had something and I liked the water and cookies best (they were most popular as well). Some did hot dogs on the grill...but those were PRICEY homes.

I have even heard of having a "free latte" open house. You hire a latte cart to come out and for each person (1 per family if part of a group) that looks at the house, they get a free latte. It's costly BUT I heard they sold at full price so it was worth it

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

I'd recommend watching HGTV on Sunday nights. I believe that's the night they have all the shows about selling a house. They do amazing things!

call me crazy, but I have read where this works. Bury a staute of St Joseph in your yard. If I was selling my house, I would give it a try.
Here is a link to a newspaper article about it

"Will burying St. Joseph help your house sell?"

Good luck!

On those flip this house type shows on cable TV they always have cookies and drinks at their open house. They are professional flippers, there houses usually sell fast too.

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I've never lied to you. I've always told you some version the of truth.

I am Catholic and it works. When I moved out here 20 years ago, we were in the same position as you are. We put our house on the market as soon as we decided to move. It was really, really slow house market. That is because Wisconsin was going through a mimi-depression. Many, many people were without jobs. My dh moved here in June. We did not come out until Oct. The house had been on the market 6 months so I decided to rent it. Still no luck. The following May (yes a year went by) we buried St. Joseph. We got an offer ( from a friend of the people who rented it )and closed in 6 weeks. The important thing is you have to keep the statue in your house in a place of honor. 19 years later we still have the statue.

I am going to find a St. Joseph tomorrow-our house has been on the market for almost 2 mos. and we have had TWO ppl walk through it....Something has to give. We are doing For Sale By Owner and have done several open houses where no one has shown up at all. However, the ppl who have agents in our neighborhood have had no better luck. The new house that we are under contract to buy had a plate of choc. chip cookies, but we weren't there for the food-we just wanted to see the house. Save your money and your time..........

I totally agree with this.

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When you don`t know what to do-Walk fast and look worried.

I don't think I would waste my money on refreshments at least anything homemade. I am sure the drinks would be appreciated especially this time of year. I am funny about eating things other people have made especially if I don't know them. I am weird like that.

You don't want to make a bunch of food and no one eat it.

The important thing is you have to keep the statue in your house in a place of honor. 19 years later we still have the statue.

Uh oh..am I doomed? LOL..that puppy is still buried at the old house..it's been 10 years now!