For New Agents -When Holding an Open House...

good list there. I am sorry to heaR about the no  chair incident

Hmmmm ... I'm holding an open house this coming weekend.  I will take a few of your pointers on what to do and what to bring.  Thank you!

www.pippamac.com

Laptop with wireless card so you may access Active Rain if the traffic is slow.

Cindy, I have a small folding table included in my open house items.  It is excellent height for my laptop.

Cindy, great list! I've been doing opens at a new construction so I just park myself on the carpeted stairs where I can see people coming up the walk. And I bring a book. I bring my laptop, open to the MLS so we can check right then and there for any other listed homes, compare features, etc.

Check out this site for flags, I recently bought some that say Open House. They're large (3'x5') and inexpensive and they get attention. Good Luck!

http://www.united-states-flag.com/openhouseflag.html

How about shoe covers instead of runners - the plastic ones are pretty good.

Cindy, I got a kick out of reading your article. I never did an Open House that wasn't my own. An yes, there are still those of us that do serve refreshments. I love them so that's why I bring them and sometimes the seller provides some, as well.

On safety issues, there are a few things I would add especially for those that are new to the business and have not been properly trained on safety.  

If possible take someone with you to an Open House such as: mortgage lender, husband, co-worker

If that's not possible bring along pepper spray or a small can of heavy duty hair spray in case you meet up with foul play. And for heaven sakes don't just leave it in the car, briefcase or purse. Take it out and have it handy.

Always write down where your Open House is and leave the information with the office as well as you with your loved ones.

Good info for the new agent, I always bring a couple of bottles of water.

Toilet paper is the house is vacant! I carry a roll in my SUV just in case and some handiwipes!

Great list, and good advice for new agents.
Besides that, the wireless laptop always goes along.
I also have available information about the general neighbourhood: location/distance to local schools, churches, local parks, major shopping, restaurants, public transportation schedules, etc.

Also, if it's a really hot day, it does help to have half a dozen bottles of cold water for visitors.  They may hang around a little longer. 

Sometimes I do buy cookies (unless the seller baked some for the open house - or sometimes I do, time-permitting).

...and sometimes I have hot chocolate going (in the Winter) .... it depends on the weather, etc.


On a rainy day, the plastic shoe covers definitely help.  If visitors don't want to use them, they can take their shoes off.

In the car, I always have paper towel, handiwipes, extra water, extra cards, extra flyers, and anything else I may need in an emergency (what it is, depends on the time of year/season).

After a while, you'll figure out what works best for you.

Hi Cindy. Thanks for sharing the great tips! Keep them coming.

Cindy,

Great list.  I think the safety aspect is important.  Be sure you know how you would exit a home in an emergency.  I also suggest walking behind the client as they walk into a room.  Vs. you leading them into the space when possible.

Your experience while unfortunately has been beneficial to us all.  Good luck and Thanks!

Lillian

Definitely have the front door unlocked, obviously, but also a back door that you can exit, in case of emergency...wierdo, etc... Also, bring your husband, co-worker, loan officer, anyone because a vacant house is not having a homeowner coming back and criminals know this.  And stairs are a great place to sit, unless it's a rancher! 

Thanks for the list....I also, like to bring music.