Needing Tips and Ideas for Successful Open House

Open houses are great for picking up clients but not so great for selling the subject home. I  would bring some golf videos and play them during the open house.

Be engaged - the people stopping by may seem distant and unwilling initially to open up. Our success comes by greeting the prospect at the door, introducing ourselves and extending a handshake. Then, ask if they live in the area and if so where or what model - anything to get them to tell you just some little something. If they aren't familiar with the area I begin with a very short summary of the area where we sit the house. Then I let them to and tell them to look around and let me know if they have questions.  Within 5 minutes I'm back with them handing them something - market statistics for the area, a floor plan, something useful. Light a candle or simmer pot pouri on the stove - it doesn't have to be alot of fluff - just a nice warm well lit house and you being willing to engage with the prospect in a helpful manner.  Best of luck!

Make sure you input the open house into your MLS so it gets syndicated to the consumer websites.

Consider having a drawing for a round of golf if non-residents are allowed to golf in the St. James golf community or hold a drawing for a gift card to the Pro Shop, restaurant or store.  If you do this, advertise it!

If your MLS has Listingbook, buy the listing care package.  Your listing will be featured on the the site and you can have invitations direct emailed to users whose criteria fits that of your listing.  My contact at Listingbook is Daniel Key (336) 389-3237.

Put signage on the property advertising the open house and advertise it at all of then community amenities (clubhouse, etc.), if allowed.

Email invitations to your database and suggest that they share the invite.

Post the upcoming open house here, Facebook, Craigslist, etc.  

Buy a party tray or two from a popular local restaurant.  Bring bottled water.  Bake cookies if you're a good baker. 

I hope this helps.  You'll have to let us know how it goes.

Ginger - Thanks for the helpful list of tips and ideas for successful open house.

I'm not an agent and I don't do open houses, but I do hope you find the answers you seek and have a very successful event!

One idea....post this to the Realtor group or Bananatude for more exposure!

Hire out the golf pro to give your guest tips or swing lessons.. they get to meet the staff pro discuss the course etc and help you with encouraging a sale !!!