Jeff,

Good stuff and you're so right about your first o.h., i.e. your first showing on-line.

Jeff,

I just read an article about two women who stole $73,000 worth of stuff from several open houses.  One woman distracted the agent while the other stole the stuff.  They got them and most of the items were recovered, thankfully.  This is another consideration all agents should talk to their clients about before the big day.  Some of the items stolen were expensive purses, jewelry and a very expensive bottle of champagne.

Jeff, really good information.  First impressions are everything...people who come to open houses are going to visit more than your listing that day.

Jeff, I stopped by an Open House today that was not ready.  The Sellers had left their Black Lab out in the yard and he was barking like crazy at anyone who came near the house.  Once the Realtor came out and got the dog to clam down so I could go in, the house had several toys just laying around.  Not a good way to create a good impression.

Jeff, If you keep changing your photo, nobody is going to recognize you. Or maybe only I won't recognize you =/

Oh! I guess I should stay on topic =P  This is great information and advice =) 

Jeff -

Your title threw me.  I thought you were talking about physical open houses, but you really mean exposure to the other agents and the public.  I keep ranting about making homes ready to be seen by buyers: clutter removed, everything freshly painted, carpets cleaned, fingerprints scrubbed, all rooms staged, pets put away, etc and with quality photos ready to go before it goes on the MLS.  If it's not ready for the MLS, it's not ready for buyers! 

In this market, we really have to do it right the first time, because nobody has time to do-it-over!

Vicki

Jeff,

Great tips that you share always, I thought that same as Vicki that your title was for really open houses, but I can agree that you gave very good tips :)

nice to see you

Ray Saenz

Great advice! Well put!

Jeff, this same list applies to a new listing.  It drives me crazy when agents list a property before it is perfectly ready and all marketing is in place.  Thanks for this post!

Jeff,

Nice post..I have book-marked it....

Is this the "scary day after Christmas" Santa look?

Lynda - thanks for your thoughts. Glad you agree!

Jeff

Fran - I agree. It certainly pays to be cautious. We have had some experiences like you describe in this area, although it has been a while. I guess you always have to be prepared. Thanks for sharing.

Jeff

Linda - it is so true. I know I certainly develop a first impression when I visit a home, so you know buyers, who are looking to buy, will as well - adn they WILL comparison shop. Sometimes we just don't see the reality.

Jeff

George - thank you for that tale. The dog thing really bugs me. I like dogs but I certainly don't want to be accosted by one at a showing. And some buyers are afraid of them or really don't like them. I know it's hard as a pet owner to deal with dogs and cats, but you really have to consider how others might view the situation. Thanks!

Jeff

Lisa - well I don't do it TOO often. Good thing my name is there, huh!?

Jeff

Vicki - thanks for your thoughts.

"If it's not ready for the MLS, it's not ready for buyers!" That should be the new mantra!

Jeff

Ray - well I did the title that way intentionally, to catch people off guard. Guess it worked. Often we think of open houses as the physical one at the home and NOT what happens on-line.

Jeff

Thank you, Vanessa. It made sense to me, and I'm pleased it did to you too!

Jeff

That's true, Diane. Great point. I plan on developing a marketing piece with this for my prelisting kit.

Jeff

Thank you Dan. Glad you liked it.

Well I certainly won't win any prizes for the best looking Santa, will I? LOL

Jeff

Great points to review with your seller. Removing the clutter is imperative as potential buyers may not see the potential of the home.

Thanks - sharonintheoc

Jeff, I always have some goodies at an Open House for the prospective Buyers along with a list of the other Open Houses in the area and a few mortgage loan scenarios for handouts, as well.

My biggest pet peeve is when the agent has someone else hold open the open house who knows nothing about the house and can't answer any questions. That is a boomer for anyone walking in and typically turns the prospective buyer off.

The one part of the Open House I wish I could give to someone else is the placement and picking up of all the Open House directional signs since I usually put out a minimum of 8 with balloons. After picking up all those balloons at Safeway, and trying to get them into the car...it's difficult to see out...I feel like the balloon lady!

Sharon - It always seems to be a tough issue to address but so important. Sometimes photos will help sellers (and the agent) see what really needs to be done.

Jeff

Ha ha, Gena - I can just invision you coming out of Safeyway with a ton of balloons - you NEED to have someone take your pic for a post!!

And I agree about the signs - it can take a lot of time. Maybe worth PAYING someone to do this for you.

And the stand-in agent who knows nothing about the house drives me nuts, too. Pretty irresponsible on both agents' part - such service for the client! NOT.

Jeff

Great Tips!

Thanks and keep them coming!

Thank you for the compliment, Karen.

Jeff