Are you looking to have an awesome open house? Get the right buyers through the door and sell your listing? You are probably saying, "who would not want these things?"
Below are some ideas that work well for many real estate agents. Some of these strategies are basic and others, a little to the left.
These tips have worked for me, so I speak from experience and success. I love taking things out of the norm and standing out from the rest.
Here's how I do it.
1) Create a video message to invite the public to your open house. Nowadays most advertising platforms can accommodate video, take advantage of it. It is the future of marketing!
2) I choose Sunday afternoon. Some people attend religious services, go to brunch, or prefer a slow start in the morning. You might have a listing with water views or that buyers need to experience at sunset or the evening. In this case, you will have to choose the day and time that will compliment the home.
3) Well thought out sign placement. I ask every attendee how they found out about the open house and a large portion always say the signs. Some areas can offer a challenge with sign placement so do the best you can.
4) Hold neighbors only open house for the first hour or another day. Give them an exclusive look. People love to feel special. You never know who knows a friend or relative looking to buy in the neighborhood. I sold a home this way and unexpectedly got a listing.
5) Avoid raffles, prizes, and farm animals. Many people use these to entice buyers to come to the open house. I want people to come because they know someone or are interested in the home themselves. I knew an agent that hired a gorilla to stand out front and a chance to look at a classic car. Tons of people stopped, but six months later, the home was still on the market.
6) Create an inviting atmosphere. Open all blinds, turn on lights, adjust the temperature accordingly. You want the attendees to feel at home the second they walk through the door. Avoid strong odors. You want to engage the senses but not in a way that controls the showing. Buyers buy with emotion.
7) Put out tent cards to highlight unique features. As people walk through they will be made aware of everything that makes this home special without you having to follow them around wondering if they missed something.
8) Give buyers space. A brief welcome, invite to sign the guest sheet (I like to fill in the info for them if time allows - this way it is legible. Let people walk through at their pace and experience the home without hovering. Comfortability sells homes!
9) Create an interesting takeaway item. I have created a DVD for the home, but my favorite is a key-shaped 4 GB USB drive. On it, they will find the listing sheet, any disclosures, my business card, and video messages from me. Even if they do not buy the home, they will always remember me as long as they use it. Always give something of value, with everything you do.
Every interaction is a potential job interview. Condition yourself to think like this if you do not already.
I would love to hear your success stories with the tips mentioned above or some of your own. If you have not had success with some suggestions, I want to hear about those too! Share in the comments below.
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