Posted by:
CJ Harrington
Keller Williams Realty
www.cjharrington.com
cjharrington.crs@gmail.com
440.336.0612
Date: 08/20/08
Open Houses are on my list of top things agents should be doing. The market is ripe for buyers that you can educate, and there is no better place to find them than at an Open House.
The key though is to take the right steps before putting that Open House sign in the yard.
Here are some hot tips to have a better Open House this summer:
Advertise
You need to advertise online,and need to advertise offline. That means advetising on your website, in physical publications and to neighbors within the area. This will allow you to captivate buyer attention and possibly even future listings.
Try a "Neighborhood Preview"
Nothing is worse than a nosy neighbor. Exspecially one who captivates your time when you should be servicing other Open House prospects. So, make an effort to get them out of the way quick. Also, you can advertise to neighbors for an earlier time, so you can avoid lookers and get in front of more motivated clients.
It is a great way to get in front of more people, while also increasing your prospect quality.
Signage
The average agent puts up two directional signs leading to the house, successful agents use 6-7.
Take the time to map out the route of the Open House, don't leave this to chance.
Also, place two Open House signs at the entrance to the development, this will increase visibilty, and hopefully draw more attention to your listing.
Be Unique
Have information on comparable listings and properties in the area. The reason for this is the fact that most people who come to your Open House will not buy the property, but chances are that they're going to buy in the neighborhood, or near the advertised price range. This will not help sell the home, but should ensure you a greater likelyhood of making a sale.
Food
Why not serve a little "pick-me-up" for those who have been walking around looking at properties all day.
I am not talking about full meals, but I am talking about a small cooler with some drinks and a small basket with some packaged crackers, cheese, nuts, or sweets. Make it easy for them to be there and make sure you offer them something as soon as they walk in. (Also, you can put promotional stickers on them to increase awareness, and use them as a write off as well.)
Always have something to give them
This could be an article or report about current market conditions, or information about the area.
When they have something to take with them, they're much more likely to remember you, and possibly even talk about you with their firends.
This may actually make you a top choice when they or their friends decide to sell.
Time your Open House correctly
Don't just stay for an hour, some of the most successful Open Houses last up to four hours.
Good luck this summer, and hopefully this will help you take your Open Houses to the next level.
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