Open houses

A - Open House: Need Tips?

Make your home look like a million bucks (well, duh). OK, then consider these ideas:

Feeling apprehensive? Build your confidence. Put out a sign for an hour or two on a Saturday or Sunday. You’ll get a few visitors, sort of a dress rehearsal.   

Mark the open house date on info box fliers. Larger crowds promote urgency.

On your flier, add drama: “DON’T MISS OUT” or “FEEL FREE TO CALL FOR A PRIVATE SHOWING!” Appointments before the scheduled open house reveal serious interest.

Don't conflict with a holiday or compete with some large sports or local community event. 

Put an open house rider (a smaller sign that hangs off your main sign with "Open Sunday 1-3") up several days in advance. At intersections in your neighborhood, post directional-arrows, the morning of or a day in advance. 

Put your address and directions in your ads.

Advertise “NEW ON THE MARKET!” or “NEW LISTING!” Buyers like new offerings.

Early arrivals are usually very interested.  On your sign and box flier, put “Open 1 to 4”. In the ad, put “Open 2 to 4”. The highly interested prospects will come at 1 and at 2, instead of all coming at 1. You can now give these prospects more quality time.

Park your car across the street (not in the driveway) to give the impression of prospect activity. People are more inclined to stop if they think other buyers are inside. Also, a vacant garage looks larger.  

Position your open house sign so that parked cars won’t obscure it. If your car should have been in the Cash for Clunkers program, park it at a local shopping center. 

Be sure to have a cozy fire going if the weather is appropriate. 

If there's a storm or screen door, keep your front door open. Visually, this is more inviting from the street. 

Have a sign-in sheet for names and phone numbers. As visitors arrive, say, "We'd appreciate it if you would sign-in. Help yourself to _____________ (M&Ms, popcorn, etc.)."

If listed, be sure your agent has included your open house on the local MLS for the public and other agents to see. 

More on OPEN HOUSES