Every real estate agent has one goal in mind: to sell that house. There is certainly an ebb and flow to the real estate world. While the big debate about whether or not open houses are still relevant persists, there is evidence to suggest that buyers want to check out a house personally before committing. The road to selling a home can be stressful, and an open house can ease some of this. These tips will help you host an open house in a manner that is as pain-free as possible.
1. First Impressions Matter
This is true especially in the real estate world. Introduce yourself with your name as people enter the open house, and follow up after potential buyers complete a walk-through tour of the home. This makes you more approachable and gives you an excuse to bring up additional features that may please your captive audience. Additionally, it is beneficial that you do not have the current owners lingering about the home.
2. Become a Local Expert
The hard sale may involve building rapport with buyers. Read up on neighborhood tidbits, including information about local tidbits. Research transit options, nearby educational institutions, and crime statistics so that you can best answer common questions. If you do not know the answer to a question, be willing to look up an answer and get back to the individual as quickly as possible.
3. Use the Latest Technology to Advertise Open Houses
Your open house should be all over marketing websites that will help you reach a wider audience. Real estate apps open up your home to a new set of web users who are ready to get serious about buying. In fact, apps are taking over for the brochures that were once passed out at open houses. Of course, many buyers will still rely on information provided on paper, so it is a good idea to keep some fliers and brochures on hand.
4. Create a Neutral Environment
You don’t want to create negative emotions about a house based on items that might make a buyer feel uncomfortable. For instance, you might want to advise the seller to take down any political references that may be present throughout the home. In many cases, real estate agents also find it helpful to eliminate some of a home’s personal touches, including family photos. They want the buyer to imagine this home as a blank canvas.
Is that ‘For Sale’ sign lingering a bit too long? Take action at your next open house to land the sale.
5. Hold Open Houses at the Right Times
Weekend open houses are typically held on the weekends, generally in the afternoons. Many real estate agents actually have better luck with early evening open houses. This allows you to open up during a time when there is less competition, and you also snag buyers who are nearing the end of their day and might not be in a rush to head out to other open houses in the neighborhood.
6. Appeal to All Senses
You may find that appealing to all senses reaches out to buyers. Consider everything from the way the house smells to the texture of the carpet. Play music that is soothing and turn off potential noise nuisances, including bathroom fans.
Any real estate agent needs to study up to stay on top of their game. This is where continuing education comes in. Our courses are geared toward helping you meet your license renewal requirements as well as learning more about your industry. Contact us for more information about our real estate courses.
