Realtors have differing opinions on the value of open houses and whether they are worth the time and effort. In my experience, the answer is yes, they definitely are worth it. And when you do them, you should do them big!
Does the open house sell the home? Sometimes. What it always provides me, as the listing agent, is the perfect opportunity to highlight the property’s assets. The home is clean, and the owners are gone, giving me a live studio for promoting the property through my social media and networking channels. I’m ready to go when the home is prepped for an open house.
Prep is key to ensuring a successful open house. At the first listing presentation with my clients, we create a calendar of events that includes an agents-only preview night and weekend open houses at times when the most people would be out looking at homes. I notify my real estate network and promote these events on my social media channels.
Marketing a home is everything. Getting people excited about a property is what it’s all about. “Coming soon” sneak-peek promotions and an open house no one wants to miss are ways I like to build anticipation for the listing. I also like to include extras, like grazing tables, prizes and swag bags.
As Realtors, we work hard to gain the trust of our clients. I encourage all agents to employ a savvy open-house strategy to show the client’s home in its best light. Bring in neighbors and those who are just curious — they might tell others about the amazing open house they went to over the weekend. Get people talking. Surprise and delight them. Make it memorable!
– Joannie Bates is a Realtor for Keller Williams Signature Partners. She works with clients in the surrounding area, with a focus on luxury and investment properties.
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