Learnings from Hosting an Open House

I have some keen insights into the world of real estate to share.  These are based on my experiences at a public open house I hosted on behalf of one of my colleagues today.

1. Don't mix paper and water in transit.
2. Putting those directional open house arrow signs up is harder than it seems (especially while wearing heels).
3. I should eat an early lunch *and* bring a snack.
4. It is great talking to neighbors.
5. Open houses are great marketing tools.

Observations From Some Broker Opens

Oh-for-three.  That's how the Broker Open Houses I attended this afternoon "batted" in agent coverage.  Being in the first year of my real estate career, I am not being judgmental.  I merely observe that if I am going to host a Broker Open House, the goal of that event is to expose my listing on behalf of my seller clients to as many real estate agents as possible.  These agents ostensibly have buyers who may want to see the property so the Broker Open House gives the agents a chance to preview without appointment and ask questions about the home as they view it.  If the listing agent is there, that is.  No agent equals no answers, no helpful tips, no "don't miss..." comments, no real selling of the house.

Adding to this gap, two of the three had not even one piece of paper, not one glossy brochure boasting about all the home has to offer.  Nothing to jot my notes on, nothing to help me remember the property.

Instead, I hope to be able to live up to this standard: Broker Open House means that I will be there and I will have professionally prepared brochures with all the home's features and benefits on hand.  Maybe I'll even serve coffee and muffins.