Are You "Sitting" An Open House This Weekend?  Why That May Be The Problem

I remember when I first began my real estate career.  Along with suggestions of floor time, door knocking, cold calling(before the do-not-call lists) and direct mail, I was told one of the most effective methods of meeting prospective clients was the open house.  I knew of open houses --- in fact, I had been a frequent lookie loo visitor long before I entered the field.

What caught me by surprise was the term "sitting the open house".  A curious approach, I thought.  Since I had been an observer of this phenomena, I thought why sit at an open house.   Hmm, should I take a book or a newspaper?  Is slinking in the background in the Lazy Boy the best location in the house?   How about near the pool on one of the lounge chairs?

Thankfully, I did not take the advice to sitan open house.   I stood up --- wow two, three, four or even five hours!   What stamina!  I greeted.  I walked around.  Oh my --- I even turned on lights in the house.   I had property information.  I knew the inventory.   I had market information that might be helpful for those new to the community as well as neighbors(oh yeah, the dreaded lookie-loo).

I continue to do open houses -- I like them and it gets me in front of people coming to see a new listing, a recent price reduction or home they have admired over the years.   But you won't find me sitting there.

Are You "Sitting" An Open House This Weekend?  Why That May Be The Problem

Michael Jacobs is a Realtor in the San Gabriel Valley with special emphasis on the Pasadena area and surrounding communities of Altadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Bradbury and northeast foothill communities in the city of Los Angeles including Monterey Hills, Highland Park, Montecito Heights, Mount Washington, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Sagamore Park.  You can reach him on his cell at 818.516.4393 or michaeljacobs@coldwellbanker.com

Michael Jacobs

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

DRE # 01165532

2065 Huntington Drive

San Marino, California 91108

Cellular:  818.516.4393

Office:  626.685.5246

Office Fax:  626.568.9507

michaeljacobs@coldwellbanker.com

www.camoves.com/michael.jacobs

 

 

 
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12 Comments on So Are You "Sitting" An Open House This Weekend? Why That May Be The Problem

FEB
19
2011
309,748 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good approach. It isn't just semantics, it's understanding of how to maximize the potential of an open house.
1:02pm • #1
949,273 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Great post!    Good reminder to us all to get out there and create some energy!
1:17pm • #2
199,698 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good Post.  "Sitting" an open house has never been my nature. I like you like to know the inventory so to speak of what is around the area and the pricepoint of the house. Knowing about the house etc.  Being excited about the home.  it is all good.
1:50pm • #3
591,781 Points 58 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Dave -- you are right, it goes beyond semantics and it really involves the right mindset of an open house. 

Li -- positive energy certainly helps and makes the event more successful

Mary -- isn't knowledge a powerful tool in our business?
1:54pm • #4
345,622 Points 5 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Great Post!!! I am with you I get excited about everyone walking into my open house. Have package ready for them, available to answer all the questions, needed walk with them to show the home...a successful open takes more than just sitting.
4:08pm • #5
591,781 Points 58 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Ritu --- yes, an open house should be exciting for visitors as well as the agent.   I have heard the analogy an open house is like a cocktail party --- going from conversation to conversation, meeting new people, sometimes finding an old friend(neighbor) --- creates a great environment and certainly makes the day go faster.  
4:21pm • #6
1,379,329 Points 7 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Howdy and afternoon to you Michael

Michael, I have gone to many open houses which the Agent just sits and don't talk to the folks attending. That sure is a mighty big put off to me, I have also seen the look on the faces of others that thought and felt the same way. I even went to look at a home during an open house, and the Agent was actually laying on the couch and never got up once.

You sure do know the right way to hold an open house for your sellers. They should mighty glad that they have you taking care of their home selling needs.

Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire

5:37pm • #7
591,781 Points 58 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Dale ---- I can imagine an open house visitor would be pretty discouraged to find a dis-interested agent laying on a couch without ever looking up.   Maybe he/she could drop the bon-bons and point  to the brochures in the other room.  
6:24pm • #8
FEB
20
2011
656,560 Points 56 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Michael I love to do open houses. You never know who your next buyer is...and I also sell the home on rare occasion.
12:11am • #9
591,781 Points 58 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jeffrey -- I firmly believe if you love open houses(insert your favorite prospecting activity) they will be successful as you have described.  I have read many posts or heard from agents who don't believe in open houses and tell their clients they are a waste of time....and those agents should not use open houses as part of their sales strategy for their clients.  I believe open houses are an effective way to fully market and expose a home to the market. 
10:27am • #10
1,521,003 Points 112 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Open Houses aren't for me.  I get stir crazy.  I've had some successful ones and you're right, you have to work them for them to work.  I just don't like being one place for that long.
1:16pm • #11
591,781 Points 58 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Chris Ann --- I think is very important to know what activities "work" for us and those that are not a good fit.  You have obviously done that and it seems very successfully.
8:28pm • #12


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Michael Jacobs, Pasadena CA/SanGabriel Valley Realtor, 818.516.4393 cell

Pasadena, CA

More about me…

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

Address: 2065 Huntington Drive, San Marino, CA, 91108

Office Phone: (626) 685-5246

Cell Phone: (818) 516-4393

Email Me

Your source for real estate representation in the San Gabriel Valley and northeast communities of the city of Los Angeles including: Pasadena, Altadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Temple City, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Duarte, Bradbury, Azusa, Glendora, Claremont, Glendale and La Canada Flintridge as well as Highland Park, Monterey Hills, Eagle Rock, Mt Washington, Montecito Heights, Glassell Park and Sagamore Park.


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