Open House Survival Kit

A regular part of my weekly routine is to stop by Open Houses on Sunday, on my way home from Church. Saturday evening I plan what Open Houses I will stop at, usually three, and the best route to take.  I have been doing this every week since I became a Loan Officer, and it has not only been a great marketing tool, but one that I also really enjoy doing.  Many of the business relationships that I have made with Realtors has been a result of doing this.

Most of the Open Houses are between 1:00 – 3:00 in the afternoon, and this time works out great for me, because I am usually leaving Church around 12:30, so that gives me plenty of time to get to the first Open house before it starts.  This also works out good because it gives my wife a chance to cook our Sunday meal without me getting in the way (I like to pick while she cooks ....... LOL).

I have found Open houses to be a great way of meeting new Realtors, and Realtors that I do not get to catch in the office on a regular bases. Through the years I have put together different things to bring with me to the Open Houses.  Over the past year what I have started to do is to put together what I call and "Open House Survival Kit".  It consists of a bottle of cold water, a bag of pretzels, an energy bar, and a mini candy bar.  I put all of of this into a small bag along with some of my business cards of course.

I have found that the Realtors love these, because a lot of times they are rushing around putting up signs for the Open House and do not get a chance to eat.  The snacks are just enough to hold them over for a couple of hours, and the cold water is a huge hit, especially on those hot, sticky summer Sunday afternoons.  Once I stop by with one of my little "Open House Survival Kits" they do not forget me, and isn't that what marketing is all about, get people to remember your name and what you do.

If you are not doing something that sets you apart and gets others to remember you, I would encourage to do so.  It does not have to be something complicated or costly, in fact it is the simple things that work best.  I know that some Realtors in my area do Pop-bys for their past Buyers.  Whatever it is do something that is not expected, and leaves them remembering you.

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Info about the author:

George Souto is a Loan Officer who can assist you with all your FHA, CHFA, and Conventional mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Higganum, Haddam, East Haddam, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. George can be contacted at (860) 573-1308 or gsouto@mccuemortgage.com