Real Estate Open House Ideas

Joe and Mary's First Open House

Joe and Mary are about to have their first real estate open house. They decided on Saturday between 1:30 - 4:30 pm.

They had found out that a property just up the street was having an open house with a local real estate agent, that same day between 2:00 - 4:00 pm.

So far they have:

• Placed a real estate open house ad in the local newspaper.
• Changed their real estate for sale by owner website ads notifying buyers of their open house.
• Had some neighborhood kids deliver flyers to several select neighborhoods.



• Placed a big real estate open house sign on the front lawn.
• Put up 4 real estate open house directional signs to guide in potential buyers.
• Had everything "spic and span".
• Made sure they had purchase agreements available.

Note: For my favorite places to obtain state, or country specific contract forms, that are up-to-date and written by lawyers, check out the link that follow. You wouldn't be disappointed. For Sale by Owner Contract Forms.

M: (looking nervously out the front picture window) Do you think anyone will show up Honey?

J: (pacing between the kitchen and living room) Sure! We've done everything possible.

M: I suppose you're right. I'd just hate to go through all this for nothing.

And then it happened! Ding Dong The first guest had arrived.

M: (with a nervous giggle) Come on in.

Real estate open house ideas Tip #1 Make sure you make your house as inviting and open as possible. If you have a storm door, open the inside door and make sure you have plenty of inside lights on. Yes, even in the middle of the afternoon on a bright sunny day.

The first guest was a gentleman by himself, wearing a full suit and tie. He introduced himself as Sidney Black, of WeSellEverything Realty. Our couple, trying to hide their disappointment, welcomed him to their real estate open house.

Real estate open house ideas Tip #2 If you are having an open house as a for sale by owner, expect a real estate agent or three to show up. Be polite, tell them they are welcome to look around and leave them on their own.

Why leave them on their own? Because, if you have other potential buyers, or some arrive while you are showing Sid around, you miss a chance to talk to them or watch their body language as they tour your house.

If you have the time to spare, you can chat with Sid in case he may have a buyer, but don't get cornered by Realtors^® at this time. You have gone to a great deal of preparation and some expenses, so use your time wisely.

The next arrivals were a recognized by our sellers the minute they stepped inside. Although they didn't know their names, they knew they lived about a dozen houses up the street.

Real estate open house ideas Tip #3 No surprises here. You most certainly can expect some of your neighbors to drop by especially on your first open house. Some are there because "They always wanted to see the inside of your home". Others are interested to compare your house with theirs if they are thinking of selling within the next few years. Some may just have very boring lives and have nothing else to do on a Saturday afternoon. :)

Again, don't waste a lot of time showing these people your home. You may want to ask a couple of questions just in case.

Examples:

M: small talk, small talk.

Neighbor small talk, small talk.

M: Are you thinking of selling your property as well?

M: Are you by chance looking for a home for someone you know?

Why would you do this? To gather information. If the neighbors are selling, when? Will they become a competitor? Perhaps they have a son, daughter, co-worker or friend that is looking for a home in the area.

Don't just dismiss people by pre-judging their intentions. On the other hand, don't waste time with those that you have screened as "looky loos".

Then a gentleman with graying hair and a beard to match, arrived by himself. He was dressed in a pair farmer's blue coveralls and an open neck plaid shirt.

Real estate open house ideas Tip #4 When doing an open house or when a potential buyer arrives to view your home, don't judge a book by it's cover.

As our heroes continued their real estate open house that Saturday, they had about 25 to 30 people view their house. Many came as couples.

There was two more suspected real estate agents that never identified themselves as such, plus at least two more curious neighbors.

Mary and Joe, for the most part, let the people view the home on their own, handed out real estate feature sheets, and told the people if they had any questions, they would be happy to answer those questions.

Real estate open house ideas Tip #5 Try to have a bit more hands on approach then Joe and Mary.

If two of you are doing a real estate open house and you have a 2 level home, you might want to each station yourself on one level. If you have 4 levels, take two each.

Another way to do this is, as each couple or single comes in, one of you take that potential buyer and go on the tour with them.

How do you do that? What do you say? What do observe? Well all the answers are available by going to Real Estate Open House Tips and More Open House Ideas

You might also want to take a quick look at How to Read Body Language and Reading Buying Signals

Our charming couple Joe and Mary did a pretty good job on their first real estate open house. Hey, I'm starting to get quite attached to these two! :) The only place they really fell short was being more attentive and observant with those potential buyers.

J: (stretching his arms toward the ceiling and yawning) Mary, I'm exhausted! I didn't realize these open house things would take so much out of me.

M: Me too! I don't know if I want to go through that again. We never got an offer or anything.

Real estate open house ideas Tip #6 Unless you are in a super heated market, don't expect anyone to put an offer in while they are at your open house. It rarely happens. Someone that may put an offer in later, may look at some more houses, have extensive discussions with his or her partner or even parents, before making a decision to have a second look.

Joe and Mary are in for a BIG surprise shortly. One of those buyers that came through on the open house, is going to call back for a second look the next day. Things are heating up folks! Stay tuned.

To be continued............

If you are following this story in sequence, please proceed to #11 below.

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