Successful Open House
In many markets a well prepared open house can attract buyers as well as realtors that could bring buyers and a hopefully a closed sale.
A successful open house is more than having a clean house, some flyers, and a sign. This article will provide you with suggestions to give you a successful open house.
Weeks ahead of open house:
Preparing early will help you have a top notch open house
- All repairs and/or improvements you decided are to be finished
- Clear out the clutter (closets, pets, etc)
- Stage the home
- Landscape the yard and have fresh flowers in beds
- New doormat
- Schedule a date that has minimal conflicts with your audience
Advertise: You have the house prepared, now having an advertising game plan will spread the word of your wonderful property.
- Determine who your target audience will be (only realtors, realtors & buyers)
- Provide postcards to neighbors
- Email invitation to local realtors & prospective buyers list
- Team Move marketing department can prepare open house flyers and other materials – need good pictures & description
- Share the property on all social media, blogging platforms (we can do this too)
- The seller should share this as well with their networks
- Follow marketing tips below
Marketing should be very complete and flawless: Having an organized, detailed, and professional looking marketing plan will be so important to bring in the prospects. Things to remember for marketing your open house include:
- Use very professional looking photos (not photo-shopped though)
- Provide a virtual tour
- State date, time, & map of open house
Few days ahead of open house: You are nearing the event and need to do the final touches to be ready for the big day
- Stage the home by arranging the furniture, have décor to a minimum,
- Remove personal items
- Set up dining table to make everything inviting
- Mow the yard and freshen up
Day of the open house: Have your checklist handy to make it a big day and plan for contingencies in case of unplanned circumstances (weather)
- Purchase a door prize for a drawing
- Cook a batch of cookies or brownies for a great smell
- Dust, vacuum, sweep, clear cobwebs, etc
- Arrange dining table, bedding, etc to look inviting
- Set out directional signs to make it easy to find
- Balloons or flags at the house to draw attention by neighbors & easy to find
- Show up early with a list of tasks to finalized today
- Perform a walkthrough with the list
- Set thermostat to a comfortable temperature throughout the house
- Open curtains and blinds to let in the light
- If inclement weather, provide footies
During the event: Even though you may have been frantically getting everything ready a few minutes ago, look cheerful, attentive, and ready to assist.
- Stay close but give buyers space to explore
- Provide custom water bottles with a picture of the home
- Answer questions and provide a flyer and your card
- Have a bowl for a drawing. Guests drop a card so you can follow up
After the event: Following up with prospects and visiting realtors will give you valuable feedback and maybe even an offer
- Make a phone call to each attendee to ask:
- What did they think of the property overall
- What did they think of the price
- Are they interested in this property
- Any comments about the home
- Add visitors to your email list
- Keep visitors updated on price updates, new incentives, etc
Whether you are a seller or a listing agent, we hope that this helps you have a successful open house.
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