Most real estate agents consider generating quality leads as one of their priorities. This is why it’s important to use every tool available to widen their network of prospects without taking time away from other tasks like home showings. Whether it’s using showingsuite software to help remind you of your next home showing appointments or real estate websites to reach more interested buyers, you have various innovative tools that you can use to take your real estate career to the next level.
One effective method to increase the number of prospects is through an open house. This remains to be an effective way to generate new leads and interests in your property. It simply isn’t enough to place a sign on the front yard as a way to invite people to the open house event. You need to maximize each event by carefully planning your open house to ensure its success. Here are some ways you can make your next open house memorable.
Think of Your Buyers’ Schedule
When deciding on the best time to hold an open house, keep your buyers’ schedules in mind. If you plan to have an open house on the weekend, schedule them in the morning or evening. This allows people to enjoy their afternoons during their day off. In case you prefer to schedule an open house on a weekday, consider the time your attendees can get off work by starting after five in the afternoon.
However, don’t leave out prospects who may want to visit the house at a different hour. For example, you can schedule open houses at lunchtime on weekdays for a handful of people and make it into a pocket event.
Offer Refreshments
Who doesn’t love some snacks and refreshments? This can make the open house more inviting and your attendees will appreciate it. Take it up a notch by matching the beverages with the season you scheduled the open house. Offer ice tea or lemonade in the summer, warm cocoa in the winter, and warm apple cider during fall. When selecting what snacks to serve, choose something that is easy to eat that will keep your attendees’ hands free to access doors and tour the house more comfortably.
Team up with Local Shops to Source Goodies
When looking for snacks, you can contact local cafes or bakeries. Also, invite local businesses to host a pop-up shop. Ask a local home décor showroom or lifestyle boutique to showcase their products at the event and make it a unique experience. This will encourage more people to attend your open house. You can also work with the local shops to arrange special discounts for the visitors.
Prepare the Home
The main attraction of the event is the house, so make sure you stage it to be presentable and welcoming. You can make minor repairs like replacing a busted lightbulb and painting a scuffed area on a wall. You can also ask the seller to keep personal items and store valuables for a clutter-free space. It will be easier for attendees to visualize how they would want to use the space or rooms if there are minimal objects present. To help encourage a sale, you can also show the highlights of the home. For instance, if the property has an amazing view of the sunset, you can open the curtains so attendees can have an unobstructed view.
Hold a Raffle
A raffle or a contest can help create more excitement and increase the number of attendees. You can raffle off items that will spark the visitors’ interests such as gift cards, kitchenware, or cookbooks. You can encourage them to stay throughout the event by letting them know you’ll announce the winner at the end of the open house. In addition, a raffle is a great way to get the contact information of the attendees, which can be useful in building your database of prospects.
Invite the Neighbors
Let neighbors know you are hosting an open house and invite them to attend as well. They are great sources of information for potential buyers about the neighborhood, schools, and nearby facilities. Neighbors can also help introduce you to interested buyers. Ask them for referrals and see if you can also invite these potential clients to the open house.
Be Ready to Answer Questions
Aside from the home making a good impression, you want visitors to also remember you for providing them with a good experience. Show your professionalism by preparing for the questions they will most likely ask. This includes inquiries about the home, the community, and the buying process. Gather as much information about the house and the neighborhood as well as their key features. This way you can highlight unique selling points of the house when you talk to the buyers.
Although there is a lot of technology today that can help generate leads, an open house remains to be an effective way to gain new prospects and showcase a house. When you host an open house, you need to make the experience unique and enjoyable. It can help encourage the sale and let visitors remember your efforts as an agent.
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