Tips to Ace Your Next Open House

An open house is a powerful way to attract qualified and serious buyers in your local area. While some open house visitors are just "curious," the majority of people willing to attend a showing are serious about purchasing soon.

Some of them might even be ready to do so in the next few weeks--ideal for your seller.

Not only does an open house get a listing much more attention, but it also helps buyers do part of the work of "qualifying" themselves. If something about a home doesn't meet a buyer's needs, then he or she can find that out at the open house – saving time for everyone in the process.

The role of digital technology in building and advertising your home listings has not changed the importance of the open house. You can use digital marketing to amplify your efforts and get even more people to visit. However, you must be ready to make the most of the event.

Let's review some of the best ways to ensure you ace your next open house:

1. Advertise the Event Heavily

As a real estate agent, you already know the importance of digital marketing, especially your social following and email list. For an open house, you'll also want to blend in old-fashioned methods. Traditional signage that can be seen by people driving in the neighborhood is useful, and so are door hangers. Start advertising around two weeks in advance to maximize turnout.

2. Stage the Home for Showing

Before you start welcoming your guests, make sure the home is in the best possible condition. Tidy up, open the drapes and blinds, turn on all lights, and prepare light snacks and refreshments. A bulletin board of seasonal photographs is a fun touch, as it lets visitors see what the house will look like under a wide range of weather and lighting conditions.

3. Get Guest Paperwork Ready

Everyone who visits your open house should register, providing you with their contact details and other essential information – but that's not all. Creating eye-catching portfolios of home photos and features is a great way to keep a home "top of mind" after guests leave. You can also include brochures that will help prospective buyers figure out what their mortgage payment might be.

4. Greet Every Visitor in Person

The personal touch is what makes an open house so effective. Be upbeat, cheerful, and energetic. If you are enthusiastic about the home, others will be as well. Solicit feedback about the home, so you understand what buyers like and don't like about it. It is possible to get an offer on a home right at the open house – but you need to open the lines of communication.

5. Know When Not to Open a House

There are times when an open house will undermine your efforts. Many people will not brave bad weather for an open house. Most importantly, though, be aware of whether a home will show well. Homes that are messy, smelly, cramped, or in need of repairs will turn buyers off. That can generate negative buzz for your listing.

To view the original article, visit the Delta Media Group blog.