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Back to Basics-Open House Events

By
Real Estate Agent with Allison James Estates and Homes BRE 01147104

 

I dont know about you, but in my opinion, an open house is critical marketing strategy for todays market. I feel that I owe it to my clients to provide all areas of coverage when it comes to getting the listing exposure they need and expect. Even if it means doing a selfish thing and having them think I'm doing it for them.

The way I see it, is this, to attempt to make my listings stand out amongst all the others, I need to be proactive with my efforts. If that means holding open house and being known as the 'working' agent then so be it.

It's a good thing. As long as the sellers are okay with leaving the home for the day or afternoon, and it doesnt interrup their family, then I want to do it. It's the right thing to do.

When I set up, I get my directional signs up, make nice clean color flyers, remove them from the flyer box at the home, and then 'stage' the house. Walk thru and pick up what you see on the floor, then it's

SHOW TIME! After setting up shop and putting some low soft, elevator type music on, I'm ready for action.

Doing an open house is a fun event and usually very profitable for me. Where else do you get the general public to come to you and get to meet the neighbors, and fill out databank information, and not have to leave the room!

So, you might want to re-think open houses. There a great tool for meeting and growing your sphere! I figure it will take about 2000 people to input into my databank to make me a million dollar agent.

What say you?

Courage for the Journey!

Comments(4)

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Christy Avila
J and C Realty - Yucaipa, CA
I still do open houses a couple times a month alternating between listings.  Sometimes they are profitable and sometimes they are not.   i think if your client doesn't see you doing anything than they assume you are not so open houses show them that you are making an effort to ge t their house sold!!
May 15, 2007 04:57 PM
Kaushik Sirkar
Call Realty, Inc. - Chandler, AZ
I still say be honest with your clients.  You will gladly do the open house, but it unto itself is unlikely to get their home sold.  The main purpose really is to get more clients for yourself....
May 15, 2007 05:57 PM
Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes

Open houses have not yielded much success here in this present market. We do them when needed, but they don't help much either to get the property sold, or to get new prospects.

Now that we are approaching the summer months and triple digit temps here in Arizona, open houses become less popular for the summer months. At 120 degrees people are hunkered inside enjoying their air conditioners and not trolling open houses so much.

Carolin Benjamin
Bob and Carolin Benjamin
The Benjamin Team
Keller Williams Integrity First Realty
Gold Canyon Arizona

May 15, 2007 07:42 PM
Robert Whitelaw
Whitelaw & Sons Real Estate Services - Morgan Hill, CA
Broker, CEO, Realtor , ePro
I cannot agree more! The folks who say that an open house is a waste of time may be doing an open house, but they are not doing it RIGHT. Just opening the door and sticking a few directional signs out is NOT the right way.
May 15, 2007 10:01 PM