What to Do When Hosting an Open House?

Why Do Open Houses?

• Make Your Sellers Happy: Open houses are a great way to show your commitment to selling their home and attract potential buyers.
  
  

• Generate Leads by Meeting People In-Person: Face-to-face interaction helps you build trust and rapport with prospective buyers.
  
  

• Gather Feedback for Sellers: Gain valuable insights from visitors to help your sellers adjust pricing or improve the property's appeal.
  
  

• Build Neighborhood Presence: Establish yourself as a local expert and gain visibility in the community.
  
  

• Showcase Your Creativity and Marketing Style: Use the open house to demonstrate your marketing skills and unique selling approach.
  
  

• Potentially Sell the House: Open houses give buyers a chance to see the property in person, and sometimes it can lead directly to a sale or a new client!
  
  

Market Open Houses

Before the Open House:

1. Social Media Marketing: Create short video tours, or just a "still" and post on Instagram Reels, Facebook, and TikTok. Use trending sounds and hashtags. AI tools can help with content creation!
   
   

2. Paid Ads: Allocate a small budget for targeted Facebook or Instagram ads promoting the open house.
   
   

3. Geo-Targeting: Use location-based advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google to target nearby buyers.
   
   

4. Door Knocking or Postcards: Hand out invitations or drop postcards in the neighborhood to generate local interest. Be sure to include a message like, "If you or anyone you know—friends or family—might be interested in this house or the neighborhood, please feel free to invite them as well!" This can help expand your reach and encourage word-of-mouth referrals.  
   
   

5. Email Marketing: Send personalized invitations to your database, highlighting the open house and key property features.
   
   

6. Seller Involvement: Encourage the seller to share your social media posts, and have them include the open house in their email signature.
   
   

7. Add to MLS and Third-Party Sites: Ensure the open house is visible on MLS, Realtor.ca, and any syndication sites listed on your Seller Service Schedule.
   
   

Additional Marketing Tips:

• Collaborate with Local Businesses: Partner with coffee shops, gyms, or restaurants to help promote your open house. Cross-promotions can benefit both parties.
  
  

• Create an Event on Facebook: Set up an open house event on Facebook to help track RSVPs and send reminders.
  
  

• Video Marketing: Post a detailed video on YouTube, your website, and social media that highlights property features and local amenities.
  
  

Day of the Open House

1. Signage: Use branded, brightly colored signs with toppers and balloons to catch attention. Consider using digital QR code signs for easy access to property details.
   
   

2. Check-In App: Use digital sign-in apps like Curb Hero or Spacio for easy visitor registration and instant follow-ups.
   
   

3. Live Stream: Go live on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok for a virtual walkthrough to engage remote buyers.
   
   

4. Interactive Display: Set up an iPad or laptop with a digital brochure, video walkthrough, and comparable listings to keep visitors engaged.
   
   

5. Refreshments and Ambiance: Offer small refreshments like cookies or coffee to create a welcoming atmosphere.
   
   

6. Host a Giveaway: Consider a small giveaway (gift cards to local businesses, branded merchandise) for attendees to encourage participation.
   
   

7. Property Presentation: Add short, scripted live presentations or talks at intervals to engage visitors and highlight key property features.
   
   

Seasonal and Holiday-Themed Touches:

• Embrace Special Days: If your open house falls on or around a special day like Halloween, Thanksgiving, or St. Patrick’s Day, incorporate festive touches to add a fun and inviting atmosphere. This can help set the tone and make the event more memorable.
  
  

  • Halloween: Serve Halloween-themed treats like decorated cookies, cupcakes with spooky designs, or Halloween candies. You could even decorate the space with subtle Halloween accents like small pumpkins or cobwebs.
    
    

  • Thanksgiving: Offer fall-themed cookies or apple cider to create a cozy, seasonal vibe. You could add little touches like small leaves or autumn decorations.
    
    

  • St. Patrick's Day: Hand out green cupcakes, mint treats, or small chocolates. You can add a fun twist by using decorations like shamrocks or gold coins.
    
    

  • Traditional Open House: For a typical open house, a simple but thoughtful offering of mints or individually wrapped candies can be a nice, neutral touch to create a welcoming atmosphere.
    
    

What to Give Out

1. Feature Sheets: Professionally designed sheets with property details and neighborhood highlights.
   
   

2. QR Codes: Include a QR code on feature sheets linking to your website or video tour.
   
   

3. Buyer and Seller Guides: Provide digital or printed guides outlining the buying or selling process.
   
   

4. Business Cards: Make sure your cards are scannable with digital contact info for easy follow-up.
   
   

5. Local Recommendations: Include a small card with recommendations for coffee shops, parks, schools, and other local attractions.
   
   

Prospecting at Your Open House

1. Warm Welcome: Greet everyone warmly and provide a brief overview of the home.
   
   

2. Engage and Listen: Ask questions to understand whether they live in the neighborhood or are exploring options.
   
   

3. Offer Value: Provide market insights or offer to send additional listings.
   
   

4. Feedback Form: Have physical or digital forms available for comments and feedback.
   
   

5. Capture Leads: Offer to send updates on similar listings or the property itself (price reductions, pending or sold), or market reports in exchange for their contact information.
   
   

6. Be Authentic: Build rapport with visitors by being genuine and engaging in natural conversation.
   
   

7. Follow-Up: After the open house, follow up with attendees via email or text. Send a personalized thank-you message with additional resources based on their interests.
   
   

Additional Prospecting Tips:

• Behavioral Tracking: Use apps to track how long visitors stay in specific areas of the home, which can give you insights into what parts of the home appeal most to potential buyers.
  
  

• Handwritten Notes: After the event, consider sending handwritten thank-you notes to engaged visitors to make a memorable, personal impression.
  
  

By including fun, seasonal elements to your open house, you can make the event more enjoyable for visitors and create a memorable experience that sets you apart from other agents. These touches show that you’re not just selling a home, but offering a positive and engaging experience for all who attend. Would you like to explore more ideas for integrating seasonal touches into your events?