In today’s virtual driven world, are open houses still relevant and effective in fetching a buyer for your home? For as long as I’ve been in real estate this has been a hotly debated topic. Many agents who have been in the business of selling homes for more a decade or two swear by them. Others say they are a complete waste of time, good only for nosey neighbors and bored passersby. After all, depending on which survey you cite, almost everyone starts their search online.
Whatever your personal opinions on them, open houses are like most things in life; you get out what you put in. So how do you make your open house known to buyers in your area, and moreover, how do you entice them to stop by? Here are a few tips on maximizing open house traffic and converting lookers into buyers.
1) Signage.
Have as many as you can. It’s best to ask your agent to post signs wherever they can at nearby crossroads and leading up to your home. Make sure to include the time, address and even a phone number right on the sign. Agents who are successful at holding open houses often post between 20 and 30 signs at busy intersections close to their open house directing potential buyers to your home. Many homeowners reading this however may live in a neighborhood where signage for open houses is limited by the HOA or not allowed at all save a sign in your very own front yard for a few hours. Not to worry, there’s always…
2) Virtual signage!
With the power of the Internet you can reach thousands more local buyers by posting or having your agent post the time and date of your open house on popular social media sites such as Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter and Google Plus. On Facebook you can even create an event for your open house and invite your friends to it there. With promoted posts on sites like Facebook and Twitter, you can advertise to thousands more social media users for a small fee. Other major sites to gain exposure for your open house are Craigslist, Trulia, Zillow and Realtor.com. There are even open house dedicated websites now, such as OpenHouses.com and OnlyOpenHouses.com. Your agent can also add the date and time of the open house to the MLS listing in the public remarks so that other Realtors showing homes in the area that day know to bring their buyers through.
3) Tell your neighbors.
Don’t keep your open house a secret. Let your neighbors know! As an agent, when I hold an open house I like to let the surrounding households know when we will be hosting it. That way if they have a friend or family member they would like to welcome to the neighborhood they can bring them by. Who knows? Your neighbor three doors down may be renting and considering a purchase.
4) Dress to impress.
As with all showings, make sure your home is in pristine, clean and clutter-free condition. Spray some room freshener, burn a vanilla, cotton or other clean and freshly scented candle for a welcoming aroma, and have refreshments available to guests. A few sodas, some bottled water and some cookies or a veggie platter are quick and easy crowd pleasers for people perusing your home.
With all the social and digital tools at our disposal, today’s open house is both virtual and personal. By making today’s tech tools work for you, your home will see more potential buyers than ever before.
