Most people don’t know what an open house is. They go to a few and then wonder what the point is. An open house is a way to market the property to potential buyers. You get to show off your home to dozens (or hundreds) of people simultaneously, which can lead to some offers. It’s worth putting together an open house, especially if you’re looking for ways to sell your home quickly and for the top price.
What is an open house in real estate?
An open house is a scheduled event during which a home or property is available for public viewing. Open houses are typically held on weekends and provide the chance to see the property without having to schedule a private showing.
If you’re selling your home, hosting an open house can be a great way to generate interest and get people through the door. But open houses can also be a lot of work, and it’s essential to make sure that your open house is beneficial to make the most of your time and effort.
How do you throw an open house that works?
Have you ever hosted an open house and felt like it was a total flop? You’re not alone. Many real estate professionals find that it is difficult to pull off successfully. But don’t give up yet! Some open house ideas actually work.
Here are some tips for hosting an open house that will work in today’s market:
1. Advertise in advance.
Advertise your open house ahead of time so that potential buyers have time to plan to attend. List your open house on your real estate agent’s website or popular real estate listing sites like HousingInteractive. You can also promote your open house on social media, using platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
2. Have a themed open house.
Make your open house more memorable and enticing by having a theme. It could be something as simple as a holiday open house (think Christmas-baked goodies) or a summertime BBQ. Whatever theme you choose, be sure it’s something that will appeal to potential buyers and make them want to see your home.
3. Stream online.
With so many people working from home, open houses have had to adapt. Make your open house accessible to potential buyers who can’t physically attend; consider streaming it online. You can use platforms like Instagram, Facebook Live, or Zoom to give viewers a tour of your home in real time.
4. Request an audience from neighbors and family members.
Your open house is more likely to be successful if you have a good turnout. To increase your chances of getting people through the door, reach out to your neighbors and family and ask them to come by.
5. Create a welcoming atmosphere.
First impressions are necessary, so you want to ensure that your open house has a warm and inviting atmosphere. It means having a clean and well-organized home with plenty of seating and a comfortable temperature. You may also consider adding decorative touches to make the space more appealing.
6. Serve light refreshments.
A great way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable is by serving refreshments at your open house. Light snacks and drinks are usually sufficient, but you can offer more substantial fare depending on your budget and target audience.
7. Highlight the property’s best features.
When potential buyers are touring your open house, be sure to point out the property’s best features. If you have a beautiful backyard, for example, open the blinds and let the light in so everyone can see it. If you’ve recently renovated the kitchen or bathrooms, make sure to point out the upgrades.
8. Have plenty of info on hand.
People will have questions when they come to your open house. Be sure to have plenty of information ready to answer their questions, including things like your home’s floor plan, a list of recent renovations or upgrades, and the property’s tax assessment. You should also be prepared to talk about the neighborhood and schools in the area.
9. Be available to answer queries.
While you don’t need to be available for an in-depth tour, it’s crucial to be around to answer any questions potential buyers might have. Provide a general overview of the property, and let clients wander around. But, if they have any specific questions, be sure to have the answers ready.
10. Deal out favor boxes.
As people leave your open house, hand them a favor box or a swag bag filled with promotional materials about your home and some goodies like candy or pens. It’s a great way to leave a lasting impression on potential buyers and help them remember your home when making their final decision.
11. Get feedback.
After your open house, remember to get feedback from your real estate agent on what went well and what could be improved. You should also ask guests to fill out sign-in sheets for their contact information so that you can follow up with them after the open house.
Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Open Houses
Do you have questions about open houses? We are with many people who are curious about open houses, what they are, and how they work. We’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about open houses. We’ll also explain why open houses are a valuable tool for real estate practitioners and property sellers.
1. What is the best day to host an open house?
There’s no definitive answer to this question, as the best day to host an open house will vary depending on several factors. However, some general tips to keep in mind include avoiding hosting open houses on holidays or major sporting events.
For example, if you’re selling a family home, you may want to host your open house on a Saturday so that busy parents can come to take a look. Or, if you’re selling a home in a retirement community, you may want to host your open house on a weekday when retirees are more likely to be available. Ultimately, the best day to host an open house is the day that will attract the most potential buyers.
2. What are the best open house hours?
The answer to this question may depend on the type of open house you’re having. For example, if you’re hosting an open house for a business, then the best open house hours would be during regular business hours. However, if you’re hosting an open house for a home, the best open house hours would be on weekends when more people are available to tour the property.
No matter what kind of open house you’re having, a few hours are generally considered the best for open houses. These hours are between 1 pm and 5 pm on weekends. These times allow people to come to tour the property without having to take time off work or away from their families. People’s schedules are busy, and by being open during these hours, you’ll increase your chances of getting people through the door – and that’s what open houses are.
3. How long should an open house party be?
This question doesn’t have a simple answer. It depends on your goals for the party and what you want your guests to experience. If you want your guests to mingle and get to know each other, you’ll want to plan an extended party. However, if you’re just looking for a casual gathering where people can drop in and out – a shorter party may be more your style.
No matter what you decide, send out invitations in advance so your guests can plan their day accordingly. And don’t forget to have plenty of food and drinks handy to keep everyone happy!
4. How do I get more people to my open house?
This is a common question among those who host open houses, and the answer may not be as difficult as you think.
5. Employ a professional photographer.
To ensure prospective buyers see your home in its best light – hire a professional photographer to take pictures of your property before the open house.
6. Draw a prize.
Who doesn’t love the chance to win something? Offering a door prize is a great way to get people into open houses. Make sure the reward is something that would appeal to your target market.
7. Go digital on your sign-in sheets.
Have a laptop or tablet ready for open house attendees to sign in with their contact information, so you can easily follow up with them after the open house.
8. Use social media to your advantage.
Social media platforms are a great way to get the word out about your open house. Use relevant hashtags, post beautiful photos, and include all the possible details potential attendees would need to know.
9. Make an open house video tour.
Videos are a powerful marketing tool, so why not use them for your open house? Create a video tour of the property and post it on social media or your website. Don’t forget to include a call-to-action at the end.
These are just a few tips, but following them can help you host an open house that will work in today’s market and have a successful open house that will ultimately lead to a sale. So if you’re selling your home, don’t forget to open the doors and let the buyers come in!
