Killer Open House Strategy
GOAL: Todays open houses are very different than open houses 5 years ago. Due to drastically low inventory levels the name of the game today is to get leads for other homeowners in the area not just potential buyers. *As soon as one house is listed, statistics show, two to three more homes will go on the market in the next 90 days.
Neighbors Only Exclusive Open House
Time: The event is either on Thursday evening 5:00-6:30 or on the weekend 2 Hours prior to your regularly scheduled Open House. *This is a private event only for the neighbors.
Supplies: Provide Snacks and Drinks; in the evenings provide Wine and Cheese, in the Mornings offer Coffee and a light snack.
Step 1, Meet the Neighbors:Two to three days prior to the open house go door to door in the neighborhood inviting the Neighbors to the Exclusive Private event! It is best to reach them between 3:30-Dark in the winter and 5:30-8:00 in the summer. It is best to knock at least 50 doors but 100 are better. Your goal is to meet the neighbors and for them to see you differently than other agents that simply put out signs.
Step 2: When you are talking to the homeowner you want to let them know that this is exclusive for the neighbors only and that you are doing a special “pre”-open house just for them.
If you do the exclusive viewing evening open house then you will want to offer wine and cheese and if you do it the morning of then coffee and donuts. Be sure to tell them what you will have there for them.
Invite:“Come support the Smith’s in the sale of their home. They have done updates, remodeling, etc. It is an exclusive event for neighbors only or if you know someone who may be interested in the property. We will have snacks and drinks.”
Step 3: Open House; your goal is to gather names and contact info to follow up and to add to your database. Use an app like OPEN HOUSE EXPERT to capture the customer’s information. Customers are more willing to give their information on an electronic device like an IPAD that write it down on paper. (Suggestion: Have a greeter at the door to allow people to register and welcome them into the house. This provides security and a professional experience.)
BUYERS OPEN HOUSE
Step 1: 5-7 Days prior;post open house on ALL social media. REALTOR.com and Zillow is a must (Zillow is the most viewed real estate website), but if you do others, Trulia, Facebook, Twitter, etc. are all great options.
Step 2: 5-7 Days prior; place coming soon rider on the sign or in yard the week prior. Be sure to include the times of the Open House on the rider.
Step 3: Day of Event; Place 15-20 directional signs. This is a very important step, statistics show, the more signs you have the more traffic you will generate. (You can purchase very inexpensive signs at have your greeter assist in sign placement.)
Step 4: Open House; your goal is to gather names and contact info to follow up and to add to your database. Use an app like OPEN HOUSE EXPERT to capture the customer’s information. Customers are more willing to give their information on an electronic device like an IPAD that write it down on paper. (Suggestion: Have a greeter at the door to allow people to register and welcome them into the house. This provides security and a professional experience.)