Open House 101 - A Strategy That Works For My Sellers and Me
I like open houses. My primary goal at an open house is to sell that house. I like to put things into simple terms.
Open houses work for me. I understand this is not true for everyone.
I work my open house strategy for my sellers and for me.
I rarely hold open houses for other agents unless I see it as benefit for me(benefit for me: an area where I want more listings or I have an upcoming listing).
When I am at an open house my goal is to sell that house - it is not to find new prospective buyers or homeowners who may be thinking of selling. Of course, I’ve had both of those things happen while at open houses but my primary goal is to sell that house.
Getting Them to the Open House
Maximize Open House Exposure -- if the timing works, showings begin at a Sunday Open House(perhaps expanded hours) and continues through the next weekend. Broker caravans are common in our area(buyers are well aware of them) and these are treated as a public open house as well. I’ve conducted twi-light open houses but have not found much success.
Open House Advertising - newspaper impressions(limited), social media, blogging and a property specific website
Open House Signs - I use a lot(up to 15) of signs strategically placed. Of course, follow local laws -- there’s nothing like a trip to the police station to pick up open house signs to teach you an expensive lesson.
Once Visitors Arrive At The Open House -- I Never Think of Them as Lookie-Loos
Actually Before the Open House -- arrive early -- make sure lights are on and appropriate music(sometimes). Doors open to the outside especially if there's a nice garden, pool area -- directions to the guest house.
Information About The House -- A property brochure, comparable properties on the market for sale/recent closings, community information. I also include property disclosures and reports as well as a floor plan of the property. I do have my personal information as well as business cards placed at various locations throughout the property.
Open House Sign In Sheets - I don’t use them --- I might have one with me but those are people who ask me to follow up with them. I also ask them if I contact you and don’t hear from you -- what should I think? I don’t need any extra names in my database for people who don’t want to work with me...believe me, there are probably plenty I should eliminate.
Open House Refreshments - I know they are successful for many. I like to have cold bottled water available especially on a warm day. I’ve tried cookies, candy and even nature bars -- sometimes good but I use them only occasionally.
Open Houses and Me I admit it, I like open houses and I “throw” a pretty good open house, especially during those crucial first days on the market. I’m not sitting in the corner reading the newspaper. I stand, I greet, I point out that I’m there to answer questions.
If you are a homeowner thinking of selling or just curious about the current real estate market in Pasadena, San Gabriel Valley or the northeast foothill communities within the city of Los Angeles contact me at 818.516.4393 cell or michaeljacobs@coldwellbanker.com.
Open House 101 - A Strategy That Works For My Sellers and Me
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