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Promoting an Open House

16 Feb

Promoting an Open House

If you decide to sell your home, one of the things on your mind may be promoting an open house. This responsibility is often left to your real estate agent. However, some people sell independently or choose to be highly involved in every step of the process. 

In this blog, you'll learn how to promote an open house properly and successfully. Continue reading to make your efforts worth your time and energy. 

Are Open Houses Worth It? 

While much of our world is digital, seeing a home in person still benefits sales. Of course, there are drawbacks and perks, but deciding to host an open house is primarily up to the real estate agent's or homeowner's preference. 

Below are the pros and cons of having an open house when selling your home. 

The Pros of Hosting an Open House: 

  • More Eyes on Your Home- Most people looking to buy are searching online. However, some still prefer to do it the old-fashioned way. Hosting an open house will allow those who do little or no online research to know your home is on the market. In general, an open house will give the home for sale more exposure, which may help to sell it quicker or for a higher price. 
  • No-Pressure Approach- An open house allows potential buyers to tour the home without pressure. On the other hand, private showings are often reserved for those who are already considering the purchase. 
  • Aids in the Buyer's Decision-Making Process- Merely seeing photos online isn't always enough. We all know how pictures can be misleading. Hosting an open house provides the opportunity for people to confirm their interest in the home for sale based on what they viewed online. 

The Cons of Hosting an Open House: 

  • Not All Guests are Ready to Commit- One downside to hosting an open house is that you may end up entertaining people who are not interested in purchasing. Some guests may attend the open house just to get an idea of what they may want when they move forward with their search in the future. 
  • Visitors for the Wrong Reasons- Because open houses are open to the public, they may attract visitors for the wrong reasons. For example, perhaps you have nosy neighbors in need of entertainment. So, they decide to attend your open house to get out of their home and occupy their time. But matters could be worse. Some people visit open houses to scope out and plan potential crimes, like robberies. Be sure to have all valuables locked away to ensure the safety of the owners of the home. 

Promoting Your Open House 

If you want your event to be successful, you'll need to promote it in the best ways. In most cases, the real estate agent takes on the responsibility of advertising the event. Here are some tips to help you attract as many people to your open house as possible. 

Set a Date 

One of the most vital parts of promoting an open house is choosing an accessible date and time for potential buyers. You should avoid mid-day hours during the week when most people are working or running errands. 

Instead, plan your open house for a weekend day. Late morning and early afternoon are the best times for an open house. That way, guests don't have to wake up too early on their weekend, but the event also doesn't take up the prime time of the day. 

It's important to remember that potential buyers have lots more on their plate than just shopping for a new home. In most cases, they are putting in the effort to sell their current home and tending to typical life responsibilities. That's why it's key to wisely consider the time and date of your open house. 

Provide Plenty of Information Online 

In today's world, you'll focus most of your open house promotion online. The majority of people looking for a new home start their search on the internet, especially using popular sites like Zillow or Realator.com. 

Here are some tips and ideas on how to provide plenty of information online while promoting an open house: 

  • Consider making a social media account for the home. You can pay small amounts to send advertisements to a targeted audience. If you already have an account for your realty business, this is the perfect place to post about the open house you are hosting. 
  • Create a Facebook event. Similar to posting on social media, you can invite other Facebook accounts to your open house through a Facebook event with a targeted audience. Facebook events are a widespread method for sending invites and promoting any event in today's society. 
  • Don't forget to list the house. Be sure to list the home on all the popular home-buying and renting sites, like Zillow, Trulia, and Realator.com. Then, mention the open house in the description section. 
  • Give clear directions. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when promoting an open house is not being thorough with the directions you give. It's not enough to include the home's address. Be sure the potential buyers know precisely where the house is located by providing more detail about how to find the property. 
  • Keep it simple and to the point! Be sure to provide a brief yet attention-grabbing description of the home. You want the information to be sweet and simple. Try to avoid overloading the buyers with unnecessary facts, but include what makes the property unique and desirable. 
  • Offer refreshments. People are always more inclined to visit an open house when food or drinks are provided. Not only because most individuals like to snack but because it makes them feel welcomed. 
  • Post high-quality photos. One of the most crucial parts of your online event or listing is the photos of the home. Be sure they are professional, high-quality photographs so the viewers take them seriously and see the property's potential. 

Place Signs in the Yard and All Around the Area 

Doing some physical work is also worth your time, especially if the home is in a neighborhood or high-traffic area. Below are a few tips and tricks about effective signage while promoting an open house: 

  • Post multiple signs in the area. Don't be hesitant to use plenty of signs. While 10 to 15 signs may sound excessive, it has been proven to significantly help promote a home for sale. 
  • Place the signs in the right locations. Set up your signs at the entrance to your road from all directions. If allowed, you could also place the open house signs in higher traffic areas, like the local shopping center or near schools. 

Spread the Word by Promoting an Open House 

While much of our current information is spread online today, word of mouth still does wonders! Here's how to promote an open house by getting the word out there: 

  • Talk to the neighbors. Let your neighbors know by visiting their homes or leaving a flyer on their door. Even if they aren't actively selling their home, they may have friends or family members searching for a new house. 
  • Tell people you know. Mention the open house at any groups, communities, or clubs you are involved in, like church. 
  • Send messages and texts. Send a mass text or email to your friends and family and encourage them to spread the word! 

Good luck from the Kayifi team! 

 

CITED: Remindermedia.com, Placester.com, Homelight.com 


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