While holding open houses in urban areas like Richmond Virginia, it often can be advantageous to take a few action steps before the day an open house is being held. In other words, it helps to be proactive even before the day for holding open a house, condo or townhouse. These following actions most likely help gain exposure for an open house as well as help inform potential home buyers.
1) At least one or two days befor the open house, distribute around 50 to 100 flyers in the neighborhood announcing the open house and mention some major features of the property. In places like the Fan District, Museum District or Church Hill, this would be especially helpful as residences are located fairly close together.
2) Use three balloons strategically, if permissible for a particular neighborhood or jurisdiction, attached to each directional sign. A minimum of three signs is suggested. I've used five directional signs for an open house, and some agents use even more.
3) Be sure to include an open house annoucement in the local MLS along with list price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and other comments on the property.
4) Generate and use the MLS open house list (if one is available) on the day of the open house in order to inform potential buyers in general where the other nearby open houses are being held and at what time. Rather than rushing guests out the door to see those other open houses, ask guests what they liked and disliked about the property and go from there.
5) Show up at least 10 minutes early for the open house to be prepared. Have an enthusiastic attitude and be courteous as the agent. Review all major features about the property before any visitors arrive in order to be able to answer most if not all questions they often will ask. For example, memorize the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the total square feet of living space, the year the property was built, and information about what the monthly condo or HOA fees are, if applicable. Hand them an information sheet on the property along with your business card.
6) Have a sense of humor with visitors, and offer to give them a guided tour. Chat with them to determine their motivation for attending the open house. Some visitors prefer to look on their own. If the property is still occupied, be sure the owners have put away any high dollar valuables like jewelry, watches and priceless antiques beforehand.
7) Take mental notes about the visitors. Ask them to sign the guest registry as a courtesy to the seller(s) soon after meeting them. Get complete contact information, if possible. When they leave, remember to thank them. If appropriate, offer to meet with them, giving them two choices of times to meet. Example: Which time would be better to meet them this evening to make an offer---at 5 or 6 PM? If they mention that they have no interest in the property or already are represented by another agent, then thank them again and wish them well!
8) Remember to be well dressed and groomed for the open house. If you know halitosis could be an issue, make sure to brush and gargle before leaving home. I've yet to meet anyone enjoys being around bad breath. Have you?
Being proactive and prepared are key to increasing the odds of having a successful Open House.
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Are you looking to buy or sell a home in the Richmond Virginia area? Whether you like open houses or not doesn't matter. Call me today, and let me assist you with the right action plan that works for you!
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