Open House Tips for Selling Display Homes

Open house tips that matter when you're selling a display home. You're showcasing a builder's craftsmanship, a lifestyle, and a turnkey investment all in one. Whether you're a builder, sales agent or property investor, hosting a successful open house can speed up the sale and attract serious buyers. The key is preparation, presentation and clear communication.

Why Selling Display Homes Requires a Different Approach

Display homes are fully built showpieces. They're often furnished, styled and packed with premium upgrades that reflect the best of what a builder offers. But because they’ve been used for public inspections or as a sales office, buyers may have different expectations compared to off-the-plan or brand-new homes.

These homes are usually sold after the display village closes or when the builder wants to release capital. They’re often leased back to the builder for a set period, making them attractive to investors who want a rental return from day one.

With that context, it’s not just about making the home look good. It’s about reassuring potential buyers that the property is well-maintained, high quality, and represents a solid long-term investment.

Preparing for the Open House

Start with the basics. Even if the home has been professionally styled in the past, small signs of wear, dust, or smudges can quickly become distractions. The goal is to make everything feel fresh, well-kept and inspection-ready.

1. Clean thoroughly inside and out. Even if the display home was professionally styled, dust, marks and signs of wear can appear after months of foot traffic. A professional clean is always a good idea.
2. Inspect for maintenance issues. Check paintwork, lighting, doors, windows, flooring and appliances. Fix anything visible to avoid giving buyers a reason to negotiate the price.
3. Prepare all builder inclusions in a printed or digital brochure. Buyers will ask what comes with the home and what doesn’t. Be transparent to build trust.
4. If the property has a leaseback arrangement with the builder, have a copy of the lease terms ready. This includes rental income, lease duration and the handover timeline. Investors will want these details.

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Pro tip: Treat the display home like a high-end retail space. Every detail should feel intentional. A spotless, well-maintained home creates trust and makes buyers more willing to pay a premium

Presentation Matters More Than Ever

Buyers walking through a display home expect to be impressed. While standard homes might sell with modest staging or even empty rooms, display homes set the bar higher.

Ensure all lights are working and turned on during the inspection. Use natural light where possible. Freshen up the space with air diffusers, a bowl of fruit or fresh flowers. Small touches create a sense of warmth and care.

Minimise clutter. Remove excess signage or builder collateral unless it’s helpful to the buyer. The goal is to keep focus on the quality of the home.

Don’t forget the front yard. Street appeal can influence a buyer’s mood before they even enter the house. Mow the lawn, weed the garden, clean the driveway and check that the letterbox and house number are presentable.

Timing and Promotion

Promote the open house early. List on major property websites and make sure the listing includes high-resolution images and a floor plan. Highlight the home’s unique benefits such as display upgrades, turnkey finish, and leaseback opportunity if applicable.

Leverage social media, email lists and local area signage to increase exposure. Reach out to buyer’s agents who may have clients looking for investment-ready properties. Host your open home at a convenient time. Weekends work best for most buyers. If your market includes investors or professionals, consider an evening midweek inspection as well.

Use clear signage on the day to guide visitors and include printed brochures that buyers can take home.

What to Highlight During the Inspection

Display homes have a lot going for them. But the key is knowing what features matter most to different buyer types.

For Owner-Occupiers:

• Emphasise the quality of the finishes
• Show off the functional layout and liveability
• Explain upgrade inclusions and energy-efficient features

For Investors:

• Provide the leaseback details
• Talk about depreciation benefits
• Highlight local demand and rental returns

Make yourself or the sales agent available to answer questions in person. Buyers appreciate knowledgeable and helpful guidance without the hard sell.

Pro tip: Tailor your walkthrough based on who's attending. If you spot first-home buyers, speak to lifestyle benefits. If it’s an investor, focus on lease terms and financials. Reading the room gives your open house more impact.

Open House Checklist for Display Homes

After the Open House

Follow up with all attendees within 24 hours. Thank them for coming and offer to answer any questions. If the buyer was interested, this is your chance to provide additional details, arrange a second inspection or discuss terms.

Track feedback from visitors. Were there common questions or objections? Use this to fine-tune your next open home or update the listing.

If multiple buyers show interest, set a clear deadline for offers and communicate your expectations around price and timing. Be prepared to negotiate but remain firm on value if the home has been properly presented and marketed.

Staying in touch after the open house helps keep the property top of mind. Share updated information such as changes to price, leaseback terms or settlement dates. Be proactive in offering virtual inspections or additional documents that support the home’s value.

Use a contact management system to track buyer interest. Segment your follow-ups by urgency or likelihood to purchase. For example, a buyer who asked specific questions about rental returns might be ready to make an offer with a little more information.

Final Tips

1. Be upfront about the display home’s history and usage. Transparency builds trust.
2. Promote both lifestyle and investment benefits, depending on your audience. You can also use the Brooklyn Homes website to explore home designs and features that appeal to different buyer types.
3. Ensure legal documents like the leaseback agreement and inclusions list are available.
4. Keep the home in top condition right up to handover.
5. Use local knowledge to position the property well within the current market.

Selling a display home takes more than good styling. A successful open house comes down to careful prep, clear communication and giving buyers confidence. With the right steps, you’ll turn inspections into serious offers.

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