Keys to Successful Open Houses

1.) LOTS of SIGNS

Most Open House Guests will be simply "Driving By" and see your signs. The MORE signs the better. Placed strategically at heavy traffic areas is best. It's also a good idea to put a directional sign at EVERY stop sign on the way. Typically, if there is a stop sign and no signs, the driver will continue straight, but it's safe to put extra signs out, it won't hurt! You will get EXTRA traffic from other directions, and neighbors.

2.) Neighbors are like GOLD

Treat neighbors as you treat ALL guests. Do not discount them because you may think they are looky-loo's. Neighbors MAY be interested in SELLING SOON! Use this time to build rapport with neighbors, get them talking! The more information you can find out about a neighborhood & community, THE BETTER, and who better to learn from than someone that actually lives there for many years! Remember to ask the neighbor if they KNOW ANYBODY looking to move into the area, maybe family, friends, co-workers, associates? It's not about WHO YOU KNOW, It's about WHO YOU KNOW AND MORE IMPORTANTLY WHO THEY KNOW!!!! EXPAND YOUR REACH! Of course, they MUST like you to refer you, so BE WARM, FUZZY AND FRIENDLY~~!!!

3.) Flyers are a good idea (if you have the time)

Walk the neighborhood, Print out as many flyers as you like, 25, 50, 100 flyers, spend 2-3 hours walking the neighborhood, door to door, and let them know your open house is in a few days ( if you do flyers, do it 2-3 days before open house!

4.) Make sure everyone signs Open House Guest Log

Ok, this one is very tricky. Alot of guests will NOT like to sign the guest log, they will skip it, write inlegibly, or fill it out with Fake or Incorrect information!  Try to ask them to sign in AT THE END of the open house! Not in the beginning. Build a little rapport with them first! Possibly hold a raffle drawing at the end of the Month for all your open houses and winner has chance at $5, $10 or $25 gift card! Find out what Business the guest is in! If possible, GET A BUSINESS CARD! Say you'd like to add them to your VENDOR LIST and give them FREE REFERRALS, no one refuses that! Business cards are always better also because, a) has most accurate / readable / complete information, b) saves them the headache of signing in and you the IMMENSE head ache of TRYING TO READ THEIR WRITING!

5.) Make sure to MEET & GREET immediately!

Make your guests feel welcome, open the door for them when they are approaching, introduce yourself IMMEDIATELY and put a flyer with your business card in their hand! If they leave it on the counter somewhere, pick it up and re-hand it to them!

6.) Other Tips

Turn ALL LIGHTS & FANS ON FULLY, OPEN ALL CURTAINS, BLINDS, DOORS, CLOSETS (if vacant, if messy leave closed). If house has double entry doors, MAKE CERTAIN you open BOTH doors and when guests approach, open the doors together to create a nice OPEN WELCOME entry effect! It works wonders! Clean up the clutter! Pick up ANYTHING & Everything small and hide it away!

7.) Make certain you mark on your local realtor association board your open house date and time!

You will ALMOST ALWAYS get at LEAST 1 open house guest who saw your open house ONLINE, for houston this would be HAR.com. That ONE guest is looking to buy VERY soon, however MAY already be working with a realtor, it's upto luck!

Good Luck! Remember, SIGNS SIGNS AND MORE SIGNS! THE MOST IMPORTANT FACT!

TALLER & LARGER THE BETTER! Balloons are optional, recommended if NOT A WINDY DAY, however if it's windy, the balloon will pop the balloon within minutes.