Prepare the Home
Have Guests Sign In
Don’t forget to speak with the
homeowners one week before
the event about the importance
of cleaning.
One of the biggest mistakes with
open houses is not collecting
information. I know it’s easier to
make an excuse why you can’t
collect it rather than making
it the key to a successful open
house.
Provide them with a printout of
often missed areas of the home,
such as baseboards and blinds.
In addition, make sure they know
to be out of the house and to
take their pets with them so
that buyers can walk around in
ease. Also, recommend that they
remove highly personal items
such as:
• hunting trophies
• political or religious symbols
• children’s artwork
• controversial books
• valuables
• medications
Ask guests to fill in a sign in sheet
with their full name, address and
contact information as they enter
the home. I’ve heard of some
agents even require a photo
I.D. to ensure they get accurate
names. If you don’t collect their
information how can you expect
to stay in touch and generate
leads? Isn’t that the purpose of
holding an open house?
Quench Their Thirst
Providing cookies and snacks
at an open house is always a
good idea, but don’t forget
about quenching your buyer’s
thirst too. Have plenty of ice
cold lemonade, soft drinks and
bottled water on hand during
the warm spring and summer
months. During the cooler
season offer hot chocolate and
coffee.
Make Financing Easy
Some buyers may already be
prequalified but others are
just starting the home buying
process. Inviting a lender to
attend the open house and
answer any questions is another
way to generate leads.
But more importantly, if a buyer
shows up at your open house
you want the ability to leave
with your new buyers so you can
show more properties. You want
to strike while the iron is hot,
don’t you?
It’s only possible if you have
someone you trust to host the
remaining time at your open
house. This is another great
reason for a lender to participate
with you when hosting open
houses.
Follow Up Immediately
As soon as the open house ends
start planning your follow up.
Using the signup sheet, you can
send thank you letters to each of
the attendees that includes the
website or MLS listing link for the
home. You can insert another
business card, a flyer from the
lender and end with a note that it
was great to meet them.
Holding a successful open
house is really about all of the
little details. Agents that take
the time to carefully plan out an
open house will have buyers that
respond.
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