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My First Open House

By Kiri Rawson

Real Estate Agent with Acquire Real Estate

July 28, 2008 01:57 PM

I am thrilled to say that I did my first open house yesterday and it was a flop! Why am I thrilled? Because it can only get better from here.

I did the open house as a favor for another agent. It was not a location that I would have picked, but it was a chance to get my feet wet. It was a beautiful Frank Betz home in Stoney Creek in Lexington, SC. Before hand, I printed the mls information on all the other houses for sale in the neighborhood and put it in a binder. I put out my balloons, brought cookies and bottled water and then I waited. It was almost 100 degrees outside on a sunny Sunday afternoon and no one was out looking at houses. I was in a subdivision with several spec homes for sale and there was no one driving through. It was the ultimate in no traffic.

But it cannot get much worse. I was happy to have a quiet place to fold and label my 300 newsletter that needed to go out. And now I can say that I have done an open house!

Next time I will try to find a house closer to the main road and try a Saturday morning (when it is not quite so hot). And I will try again, becuase open houses are inexpensive and I just might find a buyer client.

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Sylvia Young

OPTIONS Realty Group - Oakland, CA

Broker-Associate

Been there, done that.

Sometimes you get absolutely NO ONE, and other times you're so busy that time flies.

Keep up the positive attitude.

You're right. It can only get better.

Jul 28, 2008 02:19 PM

Terry Lynch

LAR Notary and Closing Services - Saint Clair Shores, MI

Open houses just aren't what they used to be. With people doing their searches on the internet and 4 dollar a gallon gas, I don't see them coming back any time soon.

Jul 28, 2008 02:53 PM

Brian Rule

Keller Williams Premier Realty - Peoria, IL

You just need to stay at it... also try and use directional signs from the main entry points to the neighborhood. The more the better because you catch traffic from as many sides as you can. And then when you do get people walking through that door just greet them quickly and try and be as helpful as possible.

Keep at it and it will get better!!

Jul 28, 2008 02:56 PM

Karen Faucette

Coldwell Banker Premier Real Estate - Valdosta, GA

You have a great attitude. I try to arrange an open house with as many other agents in the same neighborhood. In my experience, the more houses open in one neighborhood, the more traffic.

Jul 28, 2008 03:01 PM

Erika Johannsen

Great West GMAC - Yuba City, CA

I'm a new agent as well. I was told that sometimes it's a good idea to have a open house during the week. Maybe on a Wed or Fri between 5:30p.m.-8:30p.m. Most people like to go for walks in the evening or they might see the open house on the way home and stop. I have yet to try this. It was a suggestion given to me by another agent in my office.

Jul 28, 2008 06:27 PM

Leesa Finley

RED Properties - Wake Forest, NC

RED Properties - Raleigh NC Real Estate

Kiri - Sorry it was a flop and keep in mind it won't be the only flop - BUT, I am a firm believer in Open Houses so keep doing them. I have picked up MANY buyers that way. Just be sure that you take plenty of "busy" work with you in case it is slow. I am so happy to see you wonderful attitude - you will go far!

Jul 28, 2008 11:13 PM

Scott Patterson

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate/Executive Partners - Martinez, GA

My first 5 open houses were the same way. It was winter for the first couple and I have had some lately the same way. You are smart to take work with you. It is a good time to catch up on things that need to be done. I don't believe open house are a thing of the past, people still want to walk into a house before they buy one, not just from internet pictures. Although most people don't buy a house that saw at an open house, it is a good way to meet people and practice some sales techniques and find prospects.

Jul 28, 2008 11:34 PM

Michael "Mike" Miller

EXIT REALTY SERVICES - Moon Township, PA

My service will move you! Help me, help you!

Kiri, Keep up your positive attitude. I suspect that you'll probably need it in many of your future real estate dealings, not just more dreary open houses. Mike

Jul 29, 2008 01:23 AM

Jeffrey deJESUS

eXp Realty of California Inc. - Daly City, CA

Realtor®

I like the positive attitude. In this business, a lot of open houses will be like that. If it reall isnt a desired area, you cannot expect too much. But I wish you luck on the future. It could only get better. Never give up. Good luck! =)

Jul 29, 2008 08:23 AM

My First Open House

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