Lynn Michaels recently wrote a post titled "If You Feed Them, They Will Come" in response to a post written by Kathy Sperl-Bell's "Are Broker's Open Houses Effective?". I'm going to keep the chain going with this one.

For some reason in this area of Missouri, typical Broker Open Houses don't seem to be very effective at all. You may have a few show up one time, and none the next. There is always lunch provided, but it seems alot of money is wasted providing a delicious meal just to through it out. Even give-aways don't attract as many as one would hope.

One thing we have found that works more often than not is an Open House Poker Run. Not only do the participants get their tummy's full, they have a little fun. So, here's what you do.

Find 5 participants that want to open up a listing. You'll have better participation from REALTORs if each is from a different office.

Each of the five need to grab a pack of cards. Each deck needs to be different in appearance.

Each of the five should donate a little cash to buy a prize. ($10 each will buy a nice gift card or gas card).

Make sure every agent in your market gets an invitation to attend, whether by flyer, email, etc.

We usually stagger the times that the homes are open a little bit. First one from 11-12, second from 11:30-12:30, etc.

At each listing, have a food item. Such as, at the first one scheduled, provide the drinks (something that can be taken with the agent when they leave). Second, appetizers. Third, main course. Fourth, dessert.

Have feedback forms at each listing. After each agent tours the home, ask them to fill out the feedback form and give them each one random card from your deck. And at the last home, after they get their last card they turn in their "hand". (Or you can have a meeting place after the tours to turn them in.)

The agent with the winning hand of course, gets the prize.

Every body loves a good hand of poker! You get food, fun, and feedback!