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Open Houses and Virtual Offices

At both the NAR and Century21 Conventions numerous speakers referred to open houses as not productive. Most felt that an open house early in the listing was effective, but other that that, they were good for beginning agents to get leads but not effective in selling homes. I agree with that assessment, but as a second year agent, still find them helpful.

Now that spring is almost here on Cape Cod and the number of buyers has increased, I am experimenting with a type of virtual office/open house. If I am not scheduled for up-time at the office and do not have any appoinements scheduled, I will conduct an unadvertised open house at a listing in a high traffic area. Since I have an air card for my laptop and my cell phone, I can do office work while waiting for an occasional visitor to stop in.

If you have tried this, please let me know if it has worked for you. Are there any times of day that are better than others?

I'll let you know how it goes.

Posted by Steve Clay on 03/09/2008 07:03 AM

Comments (8)

cape cod, condos, falmouth, condominiums, real estate, vacation homes, second homes, firsttime homebuyers

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8 Comments on Open Houses and Virtual Offices

Steve - I like open houses. Many that I run are unadvertised, as I find the signs alone work great for bringing people in.

03/09/2008 07:07 AM

by Joseph Ellman (Realty Executives- Williams-Sykes Realty)

This sounds like a good idea. Better than sitting in your office. Keep us posted on how it works out.

03/09/2008 08:06 AM

by PHILIP TURNER-MORTGAGE BANKER SINCE 1980 (MCCUE MORTGAGE COMPANY)

I do that regularly. A vacant furnished home is a great office. In addition to the air card and cell phone, I've added a portable printer to complete my virtual office. FAXes are delivered to me via e-mail. Not only is this setup useful for open houses but for when we visit the grandchildren who live 7 hours away in Round Rock, TX.

03/09/2008 08:09 AM

by Don Stern ~ Greater Baton Rouge Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Mackey )

The intent is to sell the listing at the open house. Sometimes this is not what the guest wants . It is our job to be aware of what the competition is offering and ig this is a better fit sell the prospect another listing. A sale is a sale after all

03/09/2008 08:13 AM

by Anthony Saunchez~ Inland Empire & Hi Desert Real Estate (Summit Realty Group)

I think it is a great idea...and with a wireless card... it makes sense... but of course, only if you can work while you are at the open house... I am taking a page from your book... thanks

03/09/2008 08:40 AM

by Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist (Cape Associates Century 21)

Joseph: We find the same thing. Signs draw more visitors than ads.

Philip: I will keep you posted.

Don: Great idea. Do you have a recommendation for a type of printer?

Anthony: Open houses really do present a good opportunity to develop leads.

Annie: It's nice to have you copying me for a change and not me copying you!

03/11/2008 07:33 PM

by Steve Clay (Century21 Cape Associates)

Steve you say you have an "Air" card you mean a wireless card for your laptop to access the web. Do you know the limits that you can roam away from your main router with the card? thanks

Cape Cod Realtor

05/10/2008 05:04 PM

by Stephen D White, E-Pro, ABR Cape Cod Realtor® (Ocean Blue Realty llc)

Open houses are quite effective in my market. Buyers have been trained to get in their cars on Sundays to look at homes. I sell my listings and pick up clients.

05/11/2008 09:14 PM

by Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTOR® (Century 21 Liberty Homes)

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