How to Host a Perfect Broker Open House
A broker's open house can be an effective way to get the word out about a property on the market. Prepare in advance by making sure the home is ready for viewers and by printing materials about the home to have on hand for attending brokers. Be prepared to reciprocate by attending open houses run by other brokers.
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Instructions
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Compile a list of brokers you would like to invite to the open house and send personal, handwritten invitations. You might include some information about the home, as well as your card. Fax a reminder the week before the event and invite agents from your own office to attend to create a crowd with some excitement.
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Have your homeowner clear the home of clutter and clean it from top to bottom. Help them “stage” the home by putting out table settings with wine glasses; making sure that furniture is arranged around a focal point in the room, like a fireplace; and creating a homey and inviting aroma with baked apples or brownies in the oven. Use any dramatic lighting available and strategically place fresh flowers.
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Create a brochure about the home with bulleted copy describing its amenities and mention new appliances. Include a flattering picture and place the address and your contact information in a prominent place. Run off copies of the multiple listing. Have these items handy at the open house for brokers to take with them.
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Decide on a menu and order or prepare food. The meal does not have to be expensive, but it should be interesting and delicious. Include dessert.
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Distribute favors to participants, such as promotional items like key chains and calendars. You may want to have a drawing for a gift certificate to a restaurant or book store.
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Consider grouping the open house with others in the neighborhood. This works particularly well in an apartment building. If the homes are very close to each other, you may have hors d’oeuvres at one home, the main course at another, and dessert at a third home.
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Follow up with the brokers and agents to get their feedback on the condition of the home and the pricing. Ask if they have any suggestions for the homeowner to speed along the sale process. Thank them for attending, and ask them to keep the home in mind when a suitable buyer comes along.
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Tips & Warnings
Reciprocate by attending open houses run by other brokers. Decide if you would like to have the homeowner leave the house for a couple of hours while the event is going on.
Have the homeowner make as many repairs as possible before the open house.
References
- Photo Credit house image by kruszek from Fotolia.com
