Are open days a thing of the past?

You see for sale signs everywhere, but much less frequent are the open house signs. Many believe that open houses are so 20th century and that today’s savvy shoppers are researching online and too busy to bother. Certainly, here in Las Vegas, we have the added complexity of being a 24-hour city.

It’s true that about 77% of homebuyers do research online. And yes, they LOVE all the colorful pictures and virtual tours available. However, seeing is believing. Because walking through a house and visualizing yourself on the property is still a very important part of the home buying experience, a great way to “try out” a property is to attend an open house.

Therefore, this real estate agent’s opinion is that while “old fashioned” to some, in today’s extremely competitive buyers’ market, something old is new again!

Steps to a successful open house:

1. Plan your event:

Consider coordinating the day and time of your open house with others in the area. The more open houses, the more foot traffic. Start your event at least fifteen minutes to a half hour before everyone else and stay open fifteen minutes to a half hour later.

Schedule the time and day of your event so it does NOT conflict with local or national events. An example might be scheduling an open house during a highly anticipated sporting event (playoff games or during the Super Bowl). Turnout will be disappointing and no one has time or money to waste!

Check with your Home Owners Association (HOA) regarding signage. Some associations do not allow these signs or may have strict rules and regulations regarding signage. If your neighborhood rules prohibit signage, then it’s important to add a map to your advertising to help prospects find your open house.

If you can post signs, post directional signs at the busiest intersection closest to the house and on the corner. Post signs every few blocks until you get home. For added attention, attach balloons to each sign.

Print flyers in 4 colors and go door to door in the neighbor announcing the event. Remember, people love to stay in your neighborhood when they “move” or may have friends or family who want to live nearby. Your brochures should be filled with quality photos and a list of reasons why a buyer buys the house.

Advertise your open house. Write colorful, descriptive ads and place them in classifieds and open house directories.

Communicate your event to all the agents in your office.

2. Prepare the house:

Make the home a showcase! Make sure the house is cleaned from top to bottom (inside and out). Clean windows, landscaping should be neat and trimmed, be sure to put away magazines, loose papers and newspapers. Mess up the kitchen. Keep countertops free of appliances and other items. It stages the main living areas. Remove as many personal items as possible. You want potential buyers to see your “stuff” in the house and not yours. Temporarily remove pets from the home. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service if necessary.
Move all vehicles out of the driveway. Ask the neighbors to help you not to park in front of your house.

Open all the blinds, shades and curtains, let that light in.

Turn on the lights. Each room must be well lit. Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature.

Play soft music on each floor to help set the mood. Smooth jazz or classical are good choices.

Light candles or bake some chocolate chip cookies to add to the ambience.

Provide refreshments and snacks. Have cold drinks on a hot day and hot drinks on cold days.

Provide a log book. Collect all visitor names and contact information. Homeowners like to know who has been to their home. A log book protects the interests of your clients. Also, every visitor is a potential customer.

Have flyers with available financing options, mortgage rates, taxes, and insurance information. Importantly, consider having a local banker or mortgage lender on site during the open house to answer any mortgage questions potential buyers may have.

Set all the documents related to the house. (Inspection, appraisal or compensation reports, major repairs and guarantees).

Ask for feedback. Ask each buyer what he thought of his house and if he would consider buying it.

3.Follow-up:

After the open house, follow up with all attendees to thank them for coming with a note and/or phone call.