ANOTHER open house lead turned into a listing. Holding open houses work!

Regina -- thanks. I went ahead and created an electronic flyer (Vflyer) and sent it to several of my clients who are looking for something like this. I have back-to-back appointments now, and another agent from my office has already alerted HIS own clients, too, I am keeping my fingers crossed that we sell this quickly, because my seller is ready to buy a bigger place.

Yey!

Carol --- also check out the Active Rain group for Buffini-ites http://activerain.com/groups/buffiniclubnet

See what we're doing and talking about.

Have fun!

Jerry,

True...and it also depends on the agent and how that agent develops the lead, right?

Dan ---- it's important to make your open house more memorable and more inviting than other run-of-the-mill open house. If the lookers linger long enough to talk to you, that's a good thing.

For example, at my open house, I do the following:

• Have printed copies of that weekend's open house in my area (the local newspaper provides this info, so I cut and paste it on a sheet, and make copies for distribution)
• Have copies of the local magazine (because we advertise monthly, we get complimentary issues that I hand out, especially to out-of-towners). Of course, a sticker with my name on it is pasted on the front.
• Have handy a printout of what else is actively for sale (this if for my use as a reference in case someone has a question on what else is available)
• Copies of my Realty Times on the flip page of my flyers
• Local maps
• Mortgage calculators (courtesy of Wells Fargo) --- it's a slide out guide that my lender gives me as a give-away

And see

• What I did to get 70-80 groups to come to my last open house
• 10 Things to Do When Posting on Craigslist

During cold winter/rainy days, I have a pot of hot cider. Not only does it emit a wonderful aroma, it gives my lookers a chance to thaw!

Jason --- thank you. Getting ready to send out my January CAP, and this is also a good time to include a year-end summary of 2008.

Happy New Year!

Kelsey --- I'm not a pushy kind of sales person either. But what I do make sure I have and give out during open house, is information.

For example, if someone is new or from out of my area, and expressed an interest in knowing more about my town, I hand them a map and a copy of the local magazine. Or I simply have these out for anyone to take.

Just by asking what are you interested in....I give them at least 2 other options, and tell them if those properties are also having open house that day.

All the leads I picked up told me that the reason why they chose to work with me is that I gave them good information, and even told them about other properties that aren't my listings.

Kelsey --- the flags enable you to distinguish yourself and your open house from the others. Way to set yourself apart, isn't it? Hope you're the only one who does this --- they'll remember you!

Cindy --- as an update, this listing is now pending (got the listing Saturday, took pictures Sunday, had several appointments Monday and Tuesday, and in contract Tuesday night, and a back up on Wednesday). Love it!

Bruce, I started my career in real estate doing open house for other people, and posting these on craigslist. These are the staples in my marketing. Will I continue doing open houses? You betcha!

Bruce ---

Oh gosh, yes, yes, yes.

I've had buyers walk into my open house clutching a copy of the printout of the property I posted. I've also had buyers who called me about one listing, and I tell them about other properties just in case the one they called about doesn't meet their requirements. I've had buyers call and tell me that everytime they click on an interesting property in my neck of the woods, they see my posting. So they say, "you must be very good!" and they use my service.

Yes, yes, yes!

10 Things to Do When Posting on Craigslist

Bruce

Thanks.

I have to tone it down it bit...so the latest headline for one of my fixers is: "It's not the worst of the worst,...but close to it."

If you haven't seen this one yet, this is a classic by an Active Rainer, Cindy Hagley posted on Youtube titled: San Pablo Fixer. After you view it, and you like it, tell her what a good job she's done. This is a classic!

Now, when I grow up, this is what I'd like to produce!