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.

Put a plan in place to have a successful open house

Weeks ahead of open house:

Preparing early will help you have a top notch open house

1. All repairs and/or improvements you decided are to be finished
2. Clear out the clutter (closets, pets, etc)
3. Stage the home
4. Landscape the yard and have fresh flowers in beds
5. New doormat
6. 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.

1. Determine who your target audience will be (only realtors, realtors & buyers)
2. Provide postcards to neighbors
3. Email invitation to local realtors & prospective buyers list
4. Team Move marketing department can prepare open house flyers and other materials – need good pictures & description
5. Share the property on all social media, blogging platforms (we can do this too)
6. The seller should share this as well with their networks
7. Follow marketing tips below

Marketing your open house correctly is important

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:

1. Use very professional looking photos (not photo-shopped though)
2. Provide a virtual tour
3. 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

1. Stage the home by arranging the furniture, have décor to a minimum,
2. Remove personal items
3. Set up dining table to make everything inviting
4. Mow the yard and freshen up

The day of the open house!

 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)

1. Purchase a door prize for a drawing
2. Cook a batch of cookies or brownies for a great smell
3. Dust, vacuum, sweep, clear cobwebs, etc
4. Arrange dining table, bedding, etc to look inviting
5. Set out directional signs to make it easy to find
6. Balloons or flags at the house to draw attention by neighbors & easy to find
7. Show up early with a list of tasks to finalized today
8. Perform a walkthrough with the list
9. Set thermostat to a comfortable temperature throughout the house
10. Open curtains and blinds to let in the light
11. 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.

1. Stay close but give buyers space to explore
2. Provide custom water bottles with a picture of the home
3. Answer questions and provide a flyer and your card
4. 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

1. Make a phone call to each attendee to ask:
   1. What did they think of the property overall
   2. What did they think of the price
   3. Are they interested in this property
   4. Any comments about the home
2. Add visitors to your email list
3. 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.