DOWNLOAD: FREE OPEN HOUSE KIT
For real estate agents, open houses can either be hit or miss. A successful open house relies heavily on being able to entice people to come through the door—once they’re inside, the house will speak for itself. However, just a few creative touches will have people lining up at the door, eager to see what’s inside. Follow these five open-house ideas to stand out from the crowd this season.
Take advantage of social media
Social media can be extremely valuable when you want to garner attention for an upcoming event. Start by creating posts that countdown until the open house (ex: one month, one week, one day). Use captivating images that showcase the houses’ best features, such as an updated kitchen or large backyard. Take it one step further and utilize the Live feature on Facebook to give followers a behind-the-scenes tour of the interior.
Update house signage
Scratch the conventional open house signage and create unique and eye-catching materials that will intrigue visitors. While inside, display a compelling welcome sign that prospects see upon entering. Also, consider using a matching sign-in sheet to gather contact information to help you follow up and stay in touch with prospects. Download or free open house kit, including the complete set of printable indoor signage to use this spring season.
Offer something of value
Typically, listing flyers and business cards are the most common parting gifts at open houses. Although practical, they’re lacking in the value area. Since the majority of serious buyers will tour several open houses in a weekend, the accumulated stacks of business cards are bound to end up in the trashcan. Instead, focus on real estate open house gift ideas that truly stand out and contribute to your ongoing marketing.
Our clients love to give away copies of their personally branded magazines. Trust me—these magazines will put you head and shoulders above all other agents. You can include a letter on the Front Inside Cover to introduce yourself and your value proposition, customize the Back Inside and Back Outside Cover with a custom ad featuring your transactions, use the two Tear Out Cards (great for sharing!) to further promote your business or to include a tasty recipe or fun DIY project. There are tons of options. Let us know you’d like a copy, and we’ll send a free PDF sample to your inbox.
Create a theme
Think about creating a theme for your open house. You can pick a theme revolving an upcoming event, such as a holiday or local sports game. Consider a cookout theme for Memorial Day or a baseball theme for the World Series. You can even build a buzz around the theme by carrying your theme through to your Facebook advertising and yard signage. Themes can help ensure that each open house is unique.
Provide a wealth of knowledge
Prospects are counting on you to be the expert on everything from the market value of properties to the best place to grab a cup of coffee. In short, you must be prepared to answer the multitude of questions that will come your way. Spruce up your local knowledge and be sure to provide useful homebuying information about lenders, storage companies, handymen, and contractors. (Use our free Real Estate Referral Partner Worksheet to record contact info for recommended roofers, painters, HVAC techs, and more.) Knowing a little about a lot can be the anecdote that can break down barriers and build rapport.
When planning your next open house, try a combination of the above open house ideas to see which work best for you. For instance, you may find that Instagram is a better platform to use instead of Facebook. Regardless of your preferred method, you’ll be setting yourself apart from the competition, increasing your perception, and closing more deals.
