One of the most effective, time – tested methods, utilized, in the vast number of instances, when selling a home, is having an Open House. However, after over a decade, as a Real Estate Licensed Salesperson, I have discovered, and appreciate, there is a significant difference, in the quality and effectiveness, of these events. Therefore, this article, will attempt to briefly evaluate, discuss and examine, 6 key actions, and services, quality, effective, professional, real estate salespeople, must, and should, furnish, to their clients.
1. Protect house / contents: A real estate agent owes his client, the highest level of service and commitment. The homeowner must be provided with the utmost degree of confidence, and the peace – of – mind, to feel, his home, and its contents, will be fully protected, and respected, during the Open House. The agent must be able to ensure this, by properly screening, who he lets into the house, and having sufficient assistance, to keep an eye on all areas of the home, and property / contents!
2. Screen attendees: Attendees at an Open House, should be screened, and, I believe, no one should be permitted to enter, until / unless they furnish proper identification, etc. In addition, there should be a sign – in, where names of attendees are recorded, etc. I prefer doing so, using my IPOD , but, whichever way, it's done, it must be thoroughly performed, and adhered to.
3. Sufficient agent coverage: Both, for the protection of the real estate agent, as well as protecting one's client, in the vast majority of instances, there must be more than one individual, monitoring the event. The second individual may, or may not, also be an agent. If he is a licensed representative, he is permitted to discuss the property details, but if he is not, he should simply be welcoming, polite, and help to protect and direct!
4. Effectively engage attendees: If you have ever attended an Open House, you probably realize, some agents are far more proactive, and interactive than others! Don't you agree, your clients (homeowners) need, and deserve representation, where attendees are screened, engaged, and welcomed, so as to differentiate between true, qualified, potential buyers, versus those, who may, simply be lookers ?
5. Show house fully, be on – time, and to its maximum potential: An agent should arrive, significantly, in advance, so the home, is ready, to show, to its maximum potential, when potential buyers arrive. Often, there is a need to move certain clutter and / or distractions, as well as turning on the lights, opening windows, and / or turning on air conditioners, and ensuring, those viewing the home, do so comfortably. One should have, in advance, fully discussed many significant items, and how the homeowner, will be best – served, when he listens, and pays attention. If you've ever attended an Open House, and the agent wasn't there yet, or wasn't fully prepared, what impression / mood, did that make and create?
6. Follow – through: The reality is, the particular home, is not for everyone who sees it. Factors such as pricing, engagement, and creating a specific vision, are important, in order to differentiate, and make this particular property, stand – out, from the competition! Quality agents gather contact information, and provide enough information, to maximize the impact, so when they follow – through, after the event, they become, more capable, of receiving meaningful offers!
Homeowners list their homes, because they want to have them sold! When Open Houses, are used, to their best avail, they become better equipped, and capable, of optimizing their results!
