While some people think hosting an open house is key to selling a home, in reality, it’s just one component of an overall marketing/sales plan and system. While almost every real estate agent hosts these events, their value tends to vary greatly depending on how they are used and hosted. With this in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, examine, review and discuss 5 extremely important key steps to make them as successful as possible. Unless/until these are done effectively and efficiently, there is a risk that time, money, effort, energy and potential results will be wasted.
1. Marketing: The best results come from determining the best approach/way to market and promote them. Which advertising medium might make the most sense for this particular property? Why do you believe so? How will you achieve the best value for money? Start by determining what niche (if any) the home and property is best suited for, then investigate the best options to attract the right, qualified potential buyers. While everyone hopes to have a crowd of people attracted to their open house, unless/until it’s primarily actual buyers, rather than house hunters, you may not achieve your most ideal goals!
2. Greetings/Welcome: You only have one chance to make a first impression. This adage is true for the home/property itself, both in terms of curb appeal, staging, elimination of odors/clutter and other negative impacts. The same goes for the agent who does this and how he greets and meets people at the door, whether they feel welcome and appreciated, and guides them forward.
3. login: You will not be able to follow up effectively until/unless you have as much information as possible about each attendee. While I prefer to have them log in via a digital tablet, this is very important. At least, let them do it manually. If you don’t have this, how can you follow up? When you use a digital program/app, you can streamline the process by automatically transmitting follow-up emails instantly.
4. Show/Q&A: How well you show your home often depends on your comfort level in welcoming and encouraging questions with genuine empathy and the thoroughness of your answers/responses!
5. follow up: Real estate agents should consider open houses both as marketing for the subject home and for you as the agent. Do you stand out from the crowd by being proactive, etc.? Use this opportunity to follow up on the sale of the property and make appointments to show other properties to those who are less interested in the property.
Open houses require a lot of care, attention, time, energy and expense. Doesn’t it make sense to get them, get the most, and get the most bang for your buck?