Whether you're a seasoned agent or just getting started, hosting a successful open house can be a game-changer for your business. But let's be real: there's an art to making it a smashing success. Here are 10 successful open house tips for realtors to make their open houses stand out. Let’s dive in!
Prep the Property
This goes without saying. Before you even think about putting up that “Open House” sign, make sure the property is in tip-top shape. Clean, declutter, and stage the home to highlight its best features. Remember, first impressions matter! It’s no coincidence that staged homes might get a 1-5% increase in value compared to homes that are not staged.
Create Buzz
The days leading up to the open house are crucial. Use social media, send out email blasts, and don't forget the good old-fashioned flyers around the neighbourhood. The more buzz you create, the better the turnout.At Avenue, we use Facebook and Instagram Ads to automatically post an ad with your open house details to thousands of homebuyers in your area.
Add Flair to Your Online Listings
Your online listing is your digital first impression. Use high-quality photos, a captivating description, and make sure the date and time of the open house are front and center. Adding a video tour can also attract those who want a sneak peek before committing to an in-person visit. Leverage free tools like Loom to create video content with your headshot at the bottom. It’s a perfect way to showcase your listing and host a virtual open house.
Send Neighbour Invitations
Invite the neighbours! They might know someone who's looking to buy or simply they are curious to see what a neighbour's home will sell for. Plus, a bustling open house can create a sense of urgency and competition among buyers.
Place the Signs
Effective signage is like breadcrumbs leading potential buyers to the house. Use plenty of signs with clear directions and your contact info. Balloons or flags can add an extra eye-catching touch. Make sure your signs are following all the best practices for eye-catching real estate signs to get maximum results.
Know Your Basics
Just like prepping the property, knowing your listing details (price, address, bedrooms) is an essential piece in your open house strategy. Greeting your guests with something simple as "Welcome to ... with 3 bedrooms, listed for $" will showcase you as an expert on this property but most importantly reduce the number of most common questions that a potential buyer might have.
Engage with Visitors
Be warm and welcoming. Greet each visitor, offer a brief tour, and let them explore at their own pace. Be ready to answer questions but avoid hovering. It's important to balance enthusiasm with attentiveness to their needs. Use storytelling to make your tour even more memorable. Your seller is a great resource to get started. Ask them what makes this house special, unique points. Maybe it’s a beautiful trail outside of the house or an open balcony with a stunning view that will become a highlight for a potential buyer. These features sink in our minds much more than the size of the den.
Offer Refreshments & Goodies
Offering snacks and drinks can make potential buyers feel more at home and comfortable, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Plus, it gives them a reason to linger longer, giving you more time to chat and showcase the property’s best features. A little hospitality goes a long way in making your open house memorable and boosting the chances of sealing the deal. After all, who doesn’t love a tasty treat while house hunting?
Generate Leads
An open house has more benefits than just showcasing your beautiful listing. It’s also a great real estate lead generation tactic just as these 7 proven strategies. It is a perfect time to chat with visitors, answer their questions, and collect contact info for follow-ups. Plus, neighbours often drop by and they might be thinking about selling their own homes, helping you expand your network.Make sure you’re using a simple sign-up form to build a contact base that you can then use for marketing. If you’ve got a potential seller you might want to opt in for something more custom like this home evaluation form.Use the power of technology to nurture your visitors and send them automated email reminders with listings matching their search criteria.
Nurture Your Visitors
The open house doesn’t end when the last visitor leaves. Follow up promptly with everyone who attended. Send a thank-you email, address any questions they had, and keep them informed of any updates or new listings that might interest them.Many real estate marketing companies offer lead nurture capabilities like CRM, newsletters, or drip campaigns. No matter which route you take, remember it might take up to five touchpoints to close a client.
Bottom Line
Hosting a successful open house is all about preparation, engagement, and follow-up. By using these open house tips for agents, you’ll not only attract more potential buyers but also create a memorable experience that sets you apart from the competition.So, get out there, plan your next open house, and watch the magic happen. Happy selling! 🏡✨
