How to conduct an open house

Preparation

• Yard neat, lawn mowed, garage tidy

• Cars removed or parked elsewhere

• Minor repairs made

• Closets neat, oven clean

• Pets relocated out of the house

Announcing Your 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.

Signs, Flags & Balloons

• 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.

Conducting the Open House

BEFORE

• 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.

DURING

• 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?

AFTER

• Pick up all your signs, flags and balloons.

• Follow up on every prospect the following morning.