Zoey the Cool Cat likes open houses!

 

My Open House Survivor Kit

The common perception among many real estate agents is that the only reason to do an open house is to make more contacts, and some agents will say even that doesn't work.

It's highly likely that your open house probably won't be the only open house that visitors get to that day. You can make sure, though, that even if your listing doesn't meet their needs, your name remains in their minds for a long time, what my marketing guru calls "Top Of Mind Awareness."

What I do to ensure that is to create an "Open House Survivor Kit." I keep them hidden in the closet at the front entrance, and as people are leaving, I give them one.

What it is, and the cost:

  • common lunch bag, except that I use the white ones rather than the brown ones. They cost 1¢ each ($4.99 for 500 at Costco)
  • Jim Frimmer business cardbusiness card (4¢)
  • neighborhood search game, created in Excel. (1¢) San Diego's 101 neighborhoods are hidden in a mass of letters. They have to go to my web site to find the answer, which drives traffic to my web site. Do an Internet search for "games" and you can find lots of free sites that will instantaneously create games of various types, such as word searches, crossword puzzles, etc.
  • pen with my name on it (19¢)
  • individually wrapped snack, like peanut butter cheese crackers (30¢)
  • 3-5 individually wrapped candies (5¢)
  • CD or DVD with documents on it containing tips and tricks for home safety and maintenance, provided by my choice of home inspectors (free)
  • Open House Survivor Kita $20 discount coupon on their home inspection, provided to me by my choice of home inspectors, and good advertising for him) (free)
  • label for the bag: "Open House Survivor Kit, Compliments of Jim Frimmer, Realtor, Century 21 Award" - done in a scary "survivor" font (5¢)

Total cost: 65¢

Top Of Mind Awareness: Priceless

 

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For great photography tips and tricks, follow Russel Ray Photos on Wordpress.
Russel Ray Photos

 

For the best in home inspections and home maintenance,
follow Russel Ray's Real Estate Solutions web site on WordPress.

Real Estate Solutions — Unlocking the secrets of your home

 

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If you're looking for a great real estate agent in San Diego, well,
let me Google one for you.

I'm available 24/7, so feel free to contact me by phone or email.

Jim Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award Mission Valley
California DRE License #01458572
619-729-5701
jimfrimmer@century21award.com
Mission Valley Living

♪♫♫♫♪

Click here to subscribe to Jim's blog

 
Post is included in group: 31 Days of May Challenge 2011
Post is included in group: ActiveRain Guerrilla Marketing Station
Post is included in group: Addicted to Active Rain
Post is included in group: FRIENDS AT ACTIVERAIN
Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You

15 Comments on My Open House Survivor Kit

MAY
15
2011
217,918 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jim, I love this idea! I cannot believe how affordable it is. One of the things I do that differentiates my listings in my market is to have a professional floor plan created with room measurements. Buyers have come with their agents and thanked me for making it. I also have a "Feature Sheet" with color photos and the important details of the house, including the age of any udates/renovations. When they review everything at the end of the day they have a visual reminder of my listing so it's not jumbled in their mind with the other properties they saw.
10:41pm • #1
383,448 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jim, that's a good idea! I did one smiliar for a lisitng presentation but didn't think to carry it over to Open Houses.
10:42pm • #2
2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jim, I love this. Hope you don't mind if I steal the idea!
10:53pm • #3
127,843 Points

Great idea! They will definitely remember that they received a gift from you.
11:02pm • #4
866,661 Points 18 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jim ~  You are the greatest... thanks for sharing these ideas and I am planning to implement a couple I have not incorporated before.
11:06pm • #5
157,547 Points Called Shot Master

nice list.  Thank you ever so very much for the fun list.   Good luck and thanks for the post!
11:10pm • #6
251,482 Points 16 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Jim, what a great idea!  This is perfect example of how we can learn things on Active Rain.  I'd think the snacks and pen would be greatly appreciated when out looking at houses. 

Thank you for being willing to share this tip with us.   
11:46pm • #7
MAY
16
2011
874,316 Points Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jim - Can I use your open house survivor kit when I hold an open house? Thanks for sharing another quality blog.
12:20am • #8
1,063,951 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jim, this is a great marketing idea!  I might have to incorporate this idea into our business plan!
12:45am • #9
126,125 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Very cool! I give out neighborhood maps and candy in a red cardboard container that people seem to think are "firecrackers" I put a label on the outside that works as my business card. Buyers love to take a little something with them, it's just a nice surprise at an open house.
12:55am • #10
314,651 Points Called Shot Master

Great idea AND cost effective!
8:28am • #11
639,491 Points 53 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jim,  This is a great idea.  I bet your people just love getting this. 
1:00pm • #12
MAY
28
2011
1,057,134 Points 27 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hey, everyone!

Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

I’ll read through all the comments to see if any of them need a specific response. If so, I’ll respond below this comment. Thanks again for stopping by and commenting. I really do appreciate it, and I’ll be by your blogs soon to do some reading and commenting.
6:18pm • #13
JUN
13
2011
805,327 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Jim - Looks like a great kit although I'd probably substitute the peanut butter cheese crackers since too many people have peanut allergies these days.
12:10am • #14
JUN
19
2011
Outside Blog

Thank you for sharing your ideas.

To be consistent no matter what is the hardest part in this business.
6:47pm • #15


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