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Open Houses - A new idea for an old standby.

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker

 

My recent post on open houses got a huge response, thank you all.

As I read the responses I was seeing that in some areas they are really effective and some areas they don't seem to be.

An idea came to me that might help your business in terms of open houses in a different way.

Try doing the open house as a social function.

Do all the things you would ordinarily do for an open house.  Signs, Newspaper ads, internet ads etc.

Then do something a little different.

Invite 10 neighbors to the Open house for lemonade and cookies. 

Even if they don't buy it, they have seen it and can talk about it with friends relatives and co-workers.

They have also met you and have your card in case they ever have a Real Estate question.

Invite 5 friends that you haven't seen in a while to the open house.

Do let the homeowner know you will be doing this.  Have the lemonade and cookies and socialize with them.  As long as it's a friendly group, potential buyers will like the atmosphere and you can explain to your friends you may have to excuse yourself to show the house.

This will remind your friends you are in Real Estate too and encourage them to refer you business. They may have friends/family co-workers they tell about the house.

If all else fails, you have caught up in the lives of 5 friends with little or no hassle.

All the best!

Kevin

Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

I love open houses...not all areas take to them but ours sure does! Great tips...and let's see if I can use some this sunday :)

May 15, 2008 04:58 AM
Patty Carroll
Vancouver, WA

This is a great tip we plan on doing something like this on our next open house, thanks!

May 15, 2008 05:04 AM
Patty Carroll
Vancouver, WA

This is a great tip we p[lan on doing something like this on our next open house, thanks!

May 15, 2008 05:06 AM
Patty Carroll
Vancouver, WA

This is a great tip we p[lan on doing something like this on our next open house, thanks!

May 15, 2008 05:07 AM
Michael Wayne Jackson
Coldwell Banker - Novato, CA
Broker - Seniors Real Estate Specialist Novato
Great ideas Kevin. Now I need to call on som old friends and get them to my open house.
May 15, 2008 05:13 AM
Melody Botting
Broker Associate PenFed Realty - San Antonio, TX
You Deserve The Best

Bringing attention to your listing is key.  Neighbors and friends will help!  I like it!!!

May 15, 2008 05:25 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous

It's almost summer and what is the one thing that most people love about summertime???/  BBQ's!  BBQ's are great ideas for open houses also! Especially homes with great decks!  Just make sure you have the OK from the sellers.  Have a spouse or another agent go along with you to be the "chef".  Hotdogs and burgers are cheap and just about everyone of all ages love them.  Send out invitations to the open house/bbq to neighbors and ask them to invite their friends.  Make sure to clean up any mess left behind.  It's sure to be a hit!

Cheryl, the soldier's wife

May 15, 2008 05:33 AM
#7
Kevin O'Shea
Coldwell Banker - White Plains, NY
White Plains, NY Real Estate

Love that idea Cheryl, taking it to the next level!

But when I have a BBQ people don't leave til  11:00 PM (in a vacant house that could work!)   :)

May 15, 2008 05:52 AM
Ken Tracy
Coldwell Banker Residential - Naperville, IL
Helping clients buy and sell since 2005

Hi Kevin.  I have dabbled with this.  I would like to do it right with the right seller.  Barbeque?  Give away hot dogs.  Fun and social.

Keep the helpful posts coming!!

Ken

May 15, 2008 06:16 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Kevin, great tip on being social with the Open House. Mixing it up with people plus the refereshments and invitation make you utilize your time to the most effectiveness.

May 15, 2008 06:45 AM
Gary J. Rocks
Juba Team Realty - Jefferson Township, NJ

Kevin

great idea, good way to stay on top of your relationships. when the neighbors see your friends coming to the open they will think they are regular buyers and will think that your marketing generates a lot of buy interest.

May 21, 2008 03:31 PM
Leslie Stewart
Oregon Licensed Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Professionals - Stayton, OR
Realtor, ABR, CRS, Oregon Licensed Broker

Thanks for the great idea.  I think I will try that! 

May 21, 2008 05:39 PM