An open house is a win win win!
It is a great way to bring attention to your seller's home on the
market, and gain some feedback about its perceived strengths and
weaknesses. For potential buyers, it's a great no-pressure way to get
in and see a listing that peaks your interest, especially if you are
just casually looking. And for agents, it can be an opportunity to
meet potential buyers. If that particular home does not fit their
needs, you may be able to find them their perfect match if they are
not already working with an agent. If you are a new agent or a
buyers' agent who typically does not list properties, consider asking others in your office if you can host an open house for
them.
Place Open House signs strategically at the
main road, at the street entrance, and in front of the house. Always arrive
20-30 minutes early to your open house.
It will be awkward if you are unloading your car as someone arrives, or worse yet, someone is waiting for you. It's nice to be
able to take your time getting settled so you appear relaxed.
Turn the lights on in every room, including the basement and
garage. Turn on overhead lights and any lamps for added
ambiance and warmth. Light some candles so a
pleasant aroma fills the home. Choose candles with a scent that fits
the season, or go for ones that smell like freshly baked cookies. If
the weather is nice, or if the home has been vacant and has a musty
smell, open some windows to let the fresh air inside, even just
for a few minutes to clear the air.
Consider bringing some light
refreshments. Individually wrapped chocolates or candies, apples, and
cookies are easy and do not require much in the way of clean up.
Though I love the idea of coffee, juices, etc., stick with water
bottles since there is no harm done if a spill occurs.
Having some light music playing
in the background can set a great tone! There are some really cool
speakers out there, enabling you to play music right from your
handheld device. They are available in many styles and configurations
and range in price to fit any budget.
Treat everyone who walks through
the door as if they are a guest entering your own home. If you make everyone feel comfortable the moment they walk in the door, they will remember the home fondly afterwards, even if it wasn't right for them. Give them
your undivided attention, welcome them
with a smile, and thank them for coming. Ask them to sign in. There is a great app for your iPad
or Android device called Open Home Pro, that allows guests to sign in
right through the application. Besides name and email, they will be asked
a few questions (customizable by you). If you rather, use a paper
sign in sheet. Consider using a comment card so you can obtain some
feedback for your sellers.
Have information packets
assembled, and present them in a professional looking folder. Besides
the home's information sheet and disclosures, consider adding
financing information, and a Homebuyer Guide. Consult with an area
mortgage broker; they will be pleased to give you some information on
financing options. Other items you may want to add to the folder
include a Buyer's Questionnaire, complimentary magazine, other
listings in the neighborhood they may like to see with you. Lastly,
don't forget to include your business card!
Once the open house concludes, be
sure you leave the home as you found it. Turn off lights, blow out the candles, close and
lock windows, remove any trash. It's a great idea to leave a small
box of cleaning supplies in your car (paper towels, spray cleaner,
trash bags) in case the home is currently vacant and there are no
supplies readily available. If the sellers do not arrive back home
before you leave, you can consider leaving them a quick note to thank
them for their hospitality and give them a brief synopsis of the
turnout. If it is not your listing, let them know their listing agent
with contact them with the specifics. I would not suggest leaving
your business card in that case. Compile guests' comments and discuss
with your seller. If you are hosting the Open House for another agent
in the your office, discuss the comments with them so they can
discuss with the sellers.
I would like to end with some
thoughts on Realtor Safety. Above all else, and as with any showing
you attend, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Know
where the doors leading outside are located. Leave the driveway open and park your car in the street. Keep your keys in your
pocket. Have your phone with you at all times, be sure someone knows
where you are and calls to check on you periodically either via text
or phone call. Have a system in place that if you don't respond after
two tries within a 10-minute span, they will come to the house or
call the police to take a ride by and check on you. Turn the
auto-lock on your phone off; have it poised to dial 911 so you only
have to hit the call button to connect. Just be careful to don't call
by mistake! During the Open House, make it a point to walk behind
guests as they tour the home. Even if someone suggests you go first
or asks you to the lead the way, politely decline. Offer to let them
explore and stay sightly behind, so you can answer questions as they
arise, keep your eye on them (especially if sellers have valuables in
the home), keep an ear tuned to the door if others arrive, and be in
a position to have an advantage of escape if needed. I recently
attended a self-defense seminar that provided a few basics. We
learned a few defense techniques that I hope I'll never need, but
will be invaluable if I do. I highly suggest contacting your local
martial arts studio, I'm sure they would be happy to put something
together for your office.
An Open House is a great marketing tool throughout the year. Get inspired, create a plan, and have fun with them!
As always, I would love to hear your additional thoughts, ideas, and comments.
Be well,
Rhonda
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
- In: Homebuyer, Open House, Realtor Safety
- Posted By: mcrgri