How To Do Effective Open Houses in Calgary
I hope you are having a great day and week and I hope you are finding this information helpful!
Today I wanted to talk about doing effective open houses in Calgary. With not having your home listed with a Realtor, remember 89% of Buyers are working with Realtors, it is important to do everything you can to get exposure.
A great way to do that is to do “Open Houses”, and like anything there is a wrong way and a right way.
Step #1, 90% of those that come to “Open Houses” say they came because they saw the signs. So it is important to get as many signs out that you are allowed to and that you can afford. With that being said, I recommend you go to your “Cities Website” and see what their “Open House Sign Ordinance” is. It may be quicker to call. If you break the rules you can risk getting fined.
*You can usually get signs from your local Home Improvement Stores or online at sites like www.SignsOnTheCheap.com (make sure to get 2 sided open house signs).
Step #2: You want to make sure to get as many people as you can to “Sign In” at your Open House. Here are the most effective ways to do that (This way you can follow up):
-Tape a sign on your Front Door that states something like “For Security Purposes The Seller Requests Everyone To Sign In”. (If you want a copy of my sign, let me know and I will email you a copy).
-Within a few feet of the front door, set up a card table, put on a nice table cloth with another sign (identical to the one taped on your front door). Next to the sign have a “Guest Registry” for them to sign in with all their complete contact information (same thing here, if you need a copy let me know and I will email you one).
-Have a Property Flyer with a few photos, main property features, price and if you are able, list the monthly mortgage payment amounts. You can reach out to a Local Lender and get this information. (If you need, I can connect you with my Preferred Lender and they will help you get this information, just let me know).
*The sign in sheet also serves as a “Safety Precaution”, this way you know who is in your home. If they refuse to sign in that can be a “Red Flag” and there is nothing wrong with telling them they can’t see your home if they don’t register. Now some won’t want to register as they don’t want to get “Spammed”, in that case I would say: “I 100% understand and respect that, I will absolutely not spam you or send you any follow up info, however I do need you to sign in for safety precautions.”
Step # 3: People will naturally feel uncomfortable with you being there due to the fact you are the Homeowner. So you must go out of your way to make them feel comfortable: “I know it can be awkward having the “Owner” here when touring the property, I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable at all… Please feel free to ask any questions, there is zero pressure and I promise I will not take offense to any questions and/or comments. I am just here to answer any questions you may have..”
Step # 4: This also applies to all home showings and tours… You must remove your emotions from the process. I understand this is your home and this is way easier said than done, but respect their questions and feedback. Think of it this way, if they have negative feedback, others may have that same feedback too, this gives you an opportunity to try and fix, correct/overcome any of those issues. Your job is to “Overcome Obstacles” and try to get a top dollar offer for your home.
Step #5: Hide all valuables including medicine. Open houses can get busy and you may not be able to keep an eye on everyone. Make sure all valuables and medications are stored away in safe places.
Step #6: Don’t be afraid to ask about their interest level after they have toured your home: “So what do you think of the home? Does it meet your needs?”
Step #7: “The Fortune Is In The Follow Up”... Make sure you are following up as discussed in the past info.
As always, I hope you found this information helpful, if you have any questions or would like any of the free resources I reference, please feel free to call, text or email anytime!
Sincerely,
Your Realtor Denis Hrstic