Yes, another post about Open houses. Realtors, seller and FSBO need to know. Here are some exsamples of what I have seen or not seen.
HAVE THE DOOR OPEN!
And more Be there at the open door, on the driveway
Welcome the buyer's to your open house
First impression !!!!!!!
Never ever have an open house the same day the owner has a garage sale
First impression !!!!!!!!!!!!! They have all their junk displayed on the driveway.
Don't do an open house with the owner present it can never help it can only hurt you. It is hard enough to sell yourself and the house - now you also have to sell the owner . . . impossible !!!
Never have someone sleep on the sofa when you have an open house or show a property.
Signs, it is great when you lead them to the right street, but it really helps to also have a sign in front of the home
Make sure the house is clean. Switch all the lights on. Bring in a nice smell. Have some candies. Have some music. Open all blinds.
Greet people in front of the door
Point out the good features of the house, not what could be done to remodel it.
If the owners have pets, they can't be at the house either
Knock on all neighbors doors tell them you have an open house _ come over to see it, call your friends
So, take a moment
Put yourself in the buyer's shoes
What would a perfect open house be like?
Something like
Easy to find because they have enough signs
Easy parking
Nice clean entrance way
An open door
Someone that welcomes you and introduces him or herself
Someone that listens to you, asks questions
Offers you a glass of water
Smiles, that is easy talking to
When the buyer walks out of the house
They have to feel good and they have to like you and feel comfortable with you!
The first thing you sell at an open house is - yourself, then the house
The next day you send them a personal Thank you card
You put them in your contact list and send them some printouts
and call them 3 or 4 days later
See how they are doing etc. . .
Stay in touch
Wow, you wouldn't think that reminding sellers not to sleep on the sofa was neccesary. LOL
Never have someone sleep on the sofa when you have an open house????? I'm dying to know what experience you had that lead you to have to point that one out!
Great tips.
Lynda K. Bloom, Weichert, Realtors - Selling Rockville Maryland Real Estate and surrounding Montgomery County.
Anne....
More great open house tips, and they are well appreciated!
Randall, Lynda
One day I decided to see what the competition is doing and I spend all Sunday going to open houses. Maybe I am picky, but I saw somethings you would not believe.
Yes, the door was open the Realtor was nowhere to bee seen and when I walk into the living room, someone was sleeping on the couch. When I finally found the Realtor and pointed to the couch she said "Oh I do not want to wake him up"
The other good one was, I walk up to the house and hear people laughing and a TV running and two Realtor cars in the driveway. I ran the bell, rang it again, knocked. Well they could not be disturbed, they were watching a very funny comedy show. I never got in the house.
I even called their cell phones, but no answer, so I left a message asking how successful their open house was and how many people they had.
Next day I get a call back, that when I heard "Anne, open houses just do not work anymore"
I love it - didn't want to wake the schlub on the couch.
I like going to open houses in my neighborhood so that I have a feel for what is happening in my area. It is always helpful to have plenty of signs that lead to the correct house. Driving around and not finding the right place can be frustrating.
Anne,
I just love your...."Never a dull moment....." I have read them all and found them very interesting and informative. We sold our home 2 years ago in St. Pete and now live in Anderson, SC. I am thinking of becoming an agent and found your web site very helpful. If I was still there.....I would love to come work for you!
Your cute as a button...good luck to you and please keep writing!
Regards,
Alison Durda paintedegcko@yahoo.com
Alison, Thank you. Hope I did not scare you away from real estate. We have a lot of good agents here in our area and it is a pleasure working with them.
Good luck in your new career.
Have fun with it