As a noob on this business, i'm having some trouble finding that "fine line" of being overbearing or annoying when hosting a open house. Here's my rountine so feel to provide feeback. Buyer Arrives, I introduce myself and ask them to sign in. I give them some info about that house, and tell them to feel free to look around and ask me any questions should they have any. I don't walk through the house with them becuase i don't want to crowd them. I've gotten feeback from other friends that went to open houses and they stated how they just liked to be left alone. I'm that way as well.
So, after they walk through I ask them what they thought about the house etc. I then try to judge by how they act, wether or not they want to fill out more info on a house they may like and explain to them I can help them with any other house too. I I've done three OH so far and had some sucess. Even with those I met there I don;t know hoy many times I should try and contact those that signed in.
I guess I really would like to know what you'll may say to folks in an OH? Or, how much time you leave them to look by themselves?
Thanks,
BRet

No way do they walk through the house without me. They are cherrys to be picked, and I am the farmer.

Now, and here's where talent comes into play, there is a way of accompanying them through the tour without being overbearing. It's a mixture of humor, charm, providing information about the house and the market in general, and finding out where they are with just the right question at just the right time.

You've got to have dynamic sensitivity to achieve this. Meaning isolating each buyers boundaries and coming close but not overstepping the line.

One thing I can definitely tell you. If you let them in and let them tour alone, you will seldom convert these fantastic leads and you are throwing away golden opportunities. Think about it, people who are interested in buying a house are physically present, walking around you, and you are not helping them.

Sometimes you have to create a little discomfort to make people realize that you are an asset that they need. Don't worry, they'll get over it.

For anybody who walks through my open house door, it's their lucky day. They get the chance to be represented by the best agent in the county, possibly in the world. If it takes crowding them a little to make them aware of it, so be it.

The Clint Eastwood approach...."It's your lucky day"....hmmm. I'll have to try that

First of all, I NEVER let anyone walk through a home that I am responsible for unattended! EVER!! If it makes them uncomfortable...too bad. I have a responsiblity to the home owner to make sure the home and the things in it are safe and secure.

Second, you need to use this opportunity to find out where these people are in their home search. On the sign-in sheet I ask where they found out about the open house. I have several places for them to check off..the internet, newspaper, sign, agent etc...If they came in because of the sign, they aren't looking as seriously as if they came because of a newspaper or internet ad. I then ask if they are working with someone. That helps the listing agent and helps you so you don't waste time with someone who has an agent. If they don't have an agent, I try to draw them out a little more. I write comments on the sheet after they leave. Later, when I touch base with them, they are very impressed that I "remembered them" and seem to be getting at what their likes and dislikes are. Several people are working with me now as a result. But you have to push a little bit or you won't get anywhere.

Once a prospect enters, we first make sure they have a flyer with all the information on the home. We call it a "Cheat Sheet". The sheet details all the features plus pictures, along with school information.
We than go through the house with the prospect. The only time we leave them alone is when they go out to the backyard. At that point, I like to let them talk it over with each other.Before they leave, we ask if they have any questions, or if they`re looking at other homes, can we email them info, in order to receive their email address for the future and our business card.

All good info so far.

There are several levels on which to look at this - pick the one that works for you:

1) They are hot prospects, keep on them
2) You have to protect your clients interests, do not leave strangers unattended in their home.
3) It is a poor host that leaves a visitor alone.

Pick the one that makes you feel warm and fuzzy, then keep on these folks.

The real challenge is when you have more than one potential client viewing the home at one time. I will usually gravitate towards either the highest concentration of visitors or toward the hottest/most suspicious visitor. By that I mean, if someone seems particularly ready to buy for some reason, I will pay closer attention. Or, if I actually suspect that a visitor might be here to harm or take my clients property, I will keep a close eye.

In all fairness, I have never caught someone doing something illegal at an open house. I have also never had a client seller tell me they thought someone stole something of theirs during an open house. I have heard stories of this type from other agents tho, so it is something to be aware of.

R

Every open house I do I bring a book of other listings in the general area with me. After looking around I ask the people about the home I am holding open. If they say it is not what they are looking for I show them the book and offer to take them to look at the other homes. It seems to work very well and I usually can convert them to clients.

Good advice..Thanks!!!

Great question, and great helpful answers!

Thanks