Want to know all the tips and ideas for a successful open house? You’ve come to the right place! I’m going to review how to get more people to your open house. Then, I’ll share what you can do to prepare for an open house. The last thing I’ll cover is what you can do when hosting an open house for another agent. Let’s get started.
How to get more people to your open house
Spread the word in the local community – there are so many things you can do like put out attention grabbing directional signs with balloons. Also consider taking a more engaging approach by personally inviting neighbors. Either by walking door to door or leaving flyers. Let your sphere of influence and other agents know as well.
Spread the word online – Advertise on the internet by target emailing agents who have listings or buyers (you’ll know this from previous solds) in your price range. You can use your MLS analysis tools to find out who these agents are. When you send the email make sure they understand that they were selected to receive the invitation based on their market knowledge. You could even use Facebook Ads to market. Don’t forget to add notes to your MLS so they show on sites such as Zillow, Trulia and Realtor as an Open House.
Make it an event – your goal is to have a successful open house with a high turnout and offers submitted with some of these ideas. If you’re selling a property in a family friendly community, consider renting a food truck, bouncy house, popcorn or cotton candy machine. At the very least, consider having free food and drinks to encourage potential buyers to relax and take their time viewing the home. And then advertise this online! Sure, you may get people to stop by just to get some treats, but they will spread the work about your creative and top-notch service as well as talk about the house. And maybe even recommend it to friends who might be considering a new home.
30 Second Elevator Pitch
Sign up below for a FREE worksheet to help you craft the perfect elevator pitch so you know exactly what to say for a memorable introduction.
DOWNLOAD NOW
How to prepare for an open house
Prepare before the open house – Before the open house, you should do what you can to market and get a good turnout. And if you need a refresher, get familiar with the property, neighborhood and community. Based on the potential buyer, familiarize yourself with the stores and attractions that are likely to be important to them.
Prepare clients – let your sellers know what they need to do to prepare their house to show in its best light. For example, remove vehicles from the driveway. Open all curtains and turn on all lights. Also remove or put in a safe any valuables or prescription medicine. Your sellers should also secure firearms and any other valuables. I’m also a big proponent of removing reminders of the homeowners, like pictures and pets.
Prepare right before the open house – if needed, spray Febreze or use a fresh scent of Febreze candles and turn on soft music (classic, or jazz) during the open house. Display marketing materials like home flyers or books with listing photos or floor plans. Also lay out copies of other important documents like homeowner disclosures, HOA disclosures, or anything else that will add to the value of the property, like appraisals or major improvements.
During an open house – One great way to drum up interest is to host a Facebook Live while potential buyers are in the house. Be careful not to include people in the video who may not want to be in it, and don’t spend too much time on your phone. Remember, your main purpose is to engage with potential buyers that are in the house. As the potential buyer engaging questions, like “how many houses do you plan to view today?”
30 Second Elevator Pitch
Sign up below for a FREE worksheet to help you craft the perfect elevator pitch so you know exactly what to say for a memorable introduction.
DOWNLOAD NOW
Hosting an open house for another agent
Understanding expectations – you may decide to host another agent’s open house to increase your exposure, gain experience or make a few extra dollars. Or maybe you’re just helping a friend in need. Either way, when I asked my real estate group of agents what they expected from other agents hosting an open house for them, I got SO many different answers. At completely different ends of the spectrum. So, with that said, if you do nothing else, make sure you get in writing or put in writing, your understanding of what’s expected and what you’ve agreed to.
Research – drive through the neighborhood and surround area. You want to appear as knowledgeable as possible, knowing how close the major stores are.
Check for preferences – in addition to the listing agent’s expectations, are there any preferences the homeowner has? Find out if there’s a to-do list before you arrive, during the open house or after it’s over.
Give feedback – you may get more honest opinions of the property when you say that you’re not the listing agent. Take notes and give the listing agent feedback on how the property shows.
Prepare – follow the preparation tips mentioned above to make sure everything is set up and ready before the big day.
30 Second Elevator Pitch
Sign up below for a FREE worksheet to help you craft the perfect elevator pitch so you know exactly what to say for a memorable introduction.
DOWNLOAD NOW
Open House Tips and Ideas for real estate agents
I just shared the top Open House tips to help you as a real estate agent. We went through how to get more traffic to your open house. Then we covered how to prepare for a successful open house. We wrapped things up with what you an do when hosting an open house for another agent. Now, your next best step is to download the FREE 30 Second Elevator Pitch so you’ll be ready to introduce yourself to potential clients that walk through the door.
Leave a Reply