In an effort to introduce myself to agents I went to Open Houses the last few weeks. It was a great experience and also allowed me to see a few issues that could easily be prepared for and corrected to help improve the results of an open house.
So what issues did I see?
Flooded room due to leaking toilet.
One house had a flooded downstairs room due to a toilet overflowing upstairs. The agent shut off the water to the toilet but was not prepared in any other way to correct the issue and give the open house hope. A drain snake, mop and broom could have brought this open house back to life.
Foot prints all over the floor
Another Open House had foot prints all over the floor with no clients inside the house. If holding an open house footprints may be expected however, when clients leave take initiative and clean the floor with a mop or even a Swiffer with a wet wipe.
Couldn’t find the open house
Open house signs were posted on the main road but once I drove into the neighborhood the signs were limited if any at times. If a client can’t find the house then that’s an opportunity missed. Make sure you have enough signs starting from the main road all the way to the open house. After you place the signs drive out to the main road and see if you can find your open house yourself just from following the signs.
Agent was on Phone/Computer
A few agents were busy on their phones/computers rather than interacting with potential clients. If you are writing an offer this can be understandable but should still be put on pause momentarily. At least long enough to ask if the clients have any questions. Even if the client walks in with their own agent, you could still possibly answer questions about the property that the other agent might not be prepared to.
No water/snacks/music
No water, snacks, or music during the open house. These are little extra things that can greatly improve the clients experience while walking through the home. They are not required but could improve the outcome.
Suggestions
Prepare an Open House Kit to bring with you
What to include
Small Broom or something similar and dustpan
Mop Preferably or Similar
Paper Towels
Windex
A small Bluetooth Speaker
Air Freshener of some sort
Be informed and interact
Learn as much as possible about the Property
Tax rate
School District
Neighborhood Traffic
Location and Interact
Be located so that you can hear people coming inside (i.e. Not out back)
When a potential client walks in greet them and ask if they have any questions.
We hope you found this article useful. If you did be sure to like and share it so others may be helped as well. Would you add anything? Leave a comment and I’ll update it.