Day in and day out we mumble familiar terms, talk in circles and sound like robots from the planet real estate. We get so comfortable, often complacent, about our most important of duties. Traipsing in and out of the office, in and out of appointments and frequently in and out of open houses. Just like any career, it is a challenge to stay fresh, stay updated and to stay excited about the task at hand.
While training a newer agent, I found myself lecturing at length on open houses. It truly is a very important part of our jobs. How we handle them can make such a huge difference. It is your listing, or the listing of your company. You should do everything in your power to keep that property the topic of conversation. Dance with the one that brought you AND love the one you are with! Make your open house count!
Things to remember while hosting an open house:
- Remember who it is that you work for! While holding an open house the hosting Realtor should devote their full attention and ability to marketing that home. Time shouldn't be spent on discussing other listings, transactions or the neighbors unique choice of paint. All efforts should be spent on making certain the open house is a success. Love the one you are with.
- Communication etiquette. Whether it is Realtors or the general public, while hosting an open house, be a host. Don't occupy yourself with texts, emails or phone calls. Professionals are walking through the doors of a home that needs to be sold. Treat them as guests, treat them with respect and treat the home as if it were yours. Keep conversations geared towards the home itself. It is your job. Love the one you are with.
- Stick to the the facts. We all have emotions, opinions and experiences of our own, an open house is NOT the time to allow those to dictate the atmosphere or the script! It isn't our job to insert our color preferences, our architect want-to-be opinion of the floor plan or our personal view of the neighborhood. It is YOUR Listing. You looked the seller in the eye and told them you would do everything you could to sell their home. Now do it. If you think the colors are hideous, why did you take the listing? Did you not prepare the seller? No one wants to hear you griping about your own listing! Find the strengths of the home and market them correctly. Love the one you are with.
Obviously I could talk for days on this subject, however I have listings to sell, open houses to attend and a montage of daily tasks of which I am most thankful.
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