I. Checklist for Open House
□ Plan the OH 7-10 days in advance (more if mailers)
□ Market the open house to maximize attendance
□ coordinate with owners and perhaps other listing agents
□ Prep the owners to do their part with interior and exterior prep
□ Develop a theme, simple to advanced
□ Keep Safety in mind, always
□ Sign in sheet and other materials
II. Action items for Open House
a. Do not throw an open together, plan well and execute
b. Strong marketing will increase attendance by 50-100%, get in the MLS, send several email reminders to your sphere, use social media as a blast point, text your favorite agents a few times, send mailers, knock on doors of neighbors, early signage with permissions
c. If you coordinate with other LA’s you can go in on a meaningful give away prize
d. Don’t be Vanilla, use an easy and attractive theme tied to the calendar or current events
e. Use a cooperative vendor to sit with you or a co agent, friend or spouse. Open houses are a dangerous proposition (share alternative live open)
f. Put an OH kit together so you do not reinvent the wheel each time. Systems will really help you
g. #1 have a purpose to gather contact information of those who enter
III. Best Practices for Open House
a. Honor the owner (who is in their home)?
b. Honor the agent (are they represented)?
c. Honor the consumer (give value, be prepared)
d. Honor yourself and follow up with value
e. Be proactive during all interactions
f. Plan to be early and stay late in case
g. Bring materials, flyers, mortgage options, tax records, recent sales, other actives….
IV. You oughta & gotta for Open House
a. Turn on all lights and fans
b. Pick a time and duration suited for your event
c. Have a back up activity in case it is slow
d. Broadcast classic jazz or classical music, or a sporting event
e. Talk, listen, listen, listen, listen
f. Establish wifi to answer questions
g. Have owner available by text for questions
h. Be willing to shift gears and adapt
V. Pitfalls for Open House
a.marketing the event late
b. arriving to the event late or as it starts
c. not engaging the visitors
d. not insisting they sign in
e. discounting the effectiveness of Open Houses as a way to serve clients and grow your business.
VI. Notes for Open House
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VII. Capital Tips from the Pros for Open House
Serve a popular food item in town
Try different times of day, AM and PM
Go live 1 hour early, at the start, and ½ way into the event
Bake cookies
Park away
Great lead ins with balloons/EXTRA RIDERS
OPTIONS: BROKER/PUBLIC/EVERYDAY/LIVE
NO LISTINGS/NO PROBLEM
Too Many listings/No problem
Email me for sign in sheet and feedback form Bobbyj@remax.net
