Tips on Holding an Open House

REALTOR® Usman Murtaza

How to conduct an open house

Create an ad. Advertise on the Internet in the newspaper classifieds the day of your Open House.
Have a flyer/fact sheet printed in large quantities.
Hand-deliver invitations to 50-60 homes in the general area within the week before your Open House.

Put up a minimum of 6 signs.
Dress up your open house with flags and balloons.
Be sure to ask for permission when placing signs on private property.
Place signs leading to the house from at least two directions.
Place signs at highway exits close to the house.
After placing signs, drive the route yourself, to be sure they are easily visible and not hidden behind trees, bushes or telephone poles.

Park your car away from the house.
Double-check to make sure the home looks inviting.
Garage doors should be down, front door open.
Water the front lawn.
Air out the interior with non-perfumed room deodorizer.
Turn lights on where needed.
Keep the television off; if radio is on, it should be tuned to an all-music station, at low volume.
Light a fire in the fireplace, if the weather permits.
Sprinkle vanilla or cinnamon on a cookie sheet and place in a warm oven, or use a scented candle.
Use a guest register, placed near the entrance.
Set up a table for your flyers, brochures and other handouts.

Greet guests at the door. Get their names, and then use them. Have them sign the guest register and hand them a flyer.
Control the showing and watch for buying signs.
Ask as many qualifying questions as possible:
- This home is about $100,000. Is that about what you' re looking for?
- This home has four bedrooms. Is that what you need?
- Are you renting now, or do you own your own home?