Back HomeSellers! Here’s how to work with your agent to conduct a successful open house
Hosting an open house can be one of the most effective ways to showcase your home and attract potential buyers. But, it involves more than just putting up an “Open House” sign on your front yard. Depending on the competition in your area, you will need to work with your real estate agent to come up with a solid open house strategy.
Read on to learn about 5 rewarding tips that will help you have buyers lining up at your doorstep.
- PREPARATION IS KEY
First impressions matter, so before opening your doors to potential buyers, make sure it is clean and inviting. The goal is to make it as close to a model house as possible. Some ways to achieve this include:
- Decluttering. A clutter-free home will make it easier for potential buyers to visualize living there. Stashing away souvenirs, family photos, and random bits lying around the house will go a long way in creating an inviting atmosphere.
- Boosting curb appeal. Spruce up the exterior of the house by trimming hedges, mowing lawns, and making sure your front door looks welcoming. A fresh coat of paint or a polished doorknob can make all the difference.
If you need help, ask your real estate agent. They are bound to know professional cleaners who can make your home look sparkling.
- ADVERTISE ACROSS MULTIPLE CHANNELS
Going beyond a simple yard sign means working with your agent to execute an open house strategy that involves utilizing the following platforms for maximum exposure:
- Online listings. Update your online property listings with details about your open house. Include high-quality photos and a clear call-to-action to entice home buyers. With your agent’s help, news of your open house will appear in as many listings as possible.
- Social media. Create buzz with eye-catching images and an enticing headline announcing your open house on social media. Your agent can help spread the word on their profiles, but you can also encourage your friends and followers to share the news.
- DON’T BE AROUND FOR THE OPEN HOUSE
Sellers are generally not expected to be present at their own open house. In fact, it’s often recommended that sellers do not attend. This allows potential buyers to feel more comfortable exploring the property, asking candid questions, and visualizing themselves in the home without feeling like they are intruding.
Typically, the seller’s real estate agent will handle the open house, answering questions and highlighting key features. The absence of the seller also helps maintain a more neutral and professional atmosphere, fostering better interactions between the buyers and the agent.
As a seller, here’s what you need to do:
- Leave the house early. Be out of your house 15 to 30 minutes before the scheduled open house. This allows your real estate agent time to prepare, tidy up, and ensure everything is ready for potential buyers.
- Return late. Open houses usually last between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the market, neighborhood, and agent’s strategy. During this time, sellers should remain out of the home to give visitors the freedom to explore and ask questions comfortably.
- LEVERAGE INTERACTIVE TOOLS
Agents can enhance the open house experience and engage potential buyers by using interactive tools in the following ways:
- Virtual tours and 3D walkthroughs. Agents can set up virtual tours or 3D walkthroughs on tablets or screens within the home. This allows buyers to explore the home’s layout in more detail and revisit rooms they may have missed.
- Smart home technology demos. If the home has smart home systems (lighting, security, temperature control), agents can demonstrate how the technology works, offering buyers a hands-on experience with these desirable features.
- Polls and surveys. Using tablets or smartphones, agents can conduct quick polls or surveys about what features buyers liked most or least. This provides valuable feedback while keeping visitors engaged.
- Interactive mortgage calculators. Tablets or QR codes linking to mortgage calculators can give buyers a sense of affordability based on the home’s asking price, current interest rates, and other financial factors.
- FOLLOW UP AFTER THE OPEN HOUSE
Following up after an open house is crucial for turning interested visitors into potential buyers.
Here are a few ways you and your agent can effectively follow up:
- Immediate follow-up emails. Send a personalized email within 24 hours, thanking attendees for visiting. Include key property details, a virtual tour, and a friendly offer to answer any additional questions.
- Follow-up calls. For those who showed strong interest, your agent can follow up with a phone call within a day or two, reinforcing the connection and offering further engagement.
If you’re looking to sell your house in Texas, contact the experts at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Caliber Realty for winning open house strategies. Give us a call at 979.694.8844 or send us an email to get started.
