I’ve found that whenever I bring stuff to do to an Open House, you know, in case there’s a little down time, down time just doesn’t happen. Today, I was ready for anything, with a really good book and my MacBook Air, and I didn’t get a chance to open either of them.
So, maybe it’s just part of the psycho-physics of holding an Open. If you’re prepared to keep busy in case of a lull, will you get a mob scene?
Oh, but there is one other part of the equation! I did a mailing, put a notice on Craig’s List, had an ad in both the print and online section of the Washington Post, and had an awful lot of Open House signs stuck in the ground. I also put an entry into the “Add Open House” function on MRIS. Then, I put my
St. Anthony statue in the front yard. And I got some people from each part of the effort – well, I’m not sure how many St. Anthony turned up.
I know a lot of you don’t care to do Open Houses. Waste of time. Nobody comes but weirdo stalkers. And in some areas that may be totally the case – especially in places where the weather is freezing cold with lots of ice and snow.
Today, the Washington, DC weather is awesome – blue skies and warmish temperatures. People came out in droves. Were all of them smitten with this listing and ready to write offers? No, of course not. And a couple of them seemed really interested, and I’ll know by Monday if and when I hear from the agents that sent them to see the place.
There was a hidden bonus for me this afternoon. I met a few buyers who didn’t have agents yet. We are in a market where that is a good thing. It’s a really good thing. Even if I don’t have time to take them all on, I can always share them with a colleague.
And yet I know there are a lot of agents in this market area who, like many of you around the country, argue that Opens are a waste of time. And they can be. But I am convinced that if an agent does it right, holding an Open House is a productive was to prospect for business.
If nothing else, today’s has provided me with lots of Hot Call opportunities for the next few days!
;)
Links;)
Tags (Tag Cloud);)
Archives
I agree with you- when I'm prepared and bring something to do- I get clients and when i don't bring anything- I don't get any clients. I think people have been waiting to look the whole winter and they are finally coming out of hibernation.