I held another open house Sunday. This time it went well, although I made several mistakes that I won't make again.
I held open a great house, almost 3800 square feet, out in the hills North West of Austin, although it still has an Austin address. The house was built in 1993 but was recently updated with new flooring, granite counters and fresh paint throughout. It sits in the perfect cul-du-sac, almost 1/2 acre lot in a beautiful hillside community. The back yard is xeriscaped to perfection with a sport court installed directly behind the house. The schools are also highly rated. It is priced at least $10-15 per square foot below the market and has the best lot, landscaping and location at this price point, in this zip code.
It went well. 4 couples and one lone individual visited. 2 of the couples were interested for themselves and the other 2 were looking for friends who wanted to move into this neighborhood. The individual was also looking for himself and had relatives that at one point had lived in the house next door, so he was familiar with the house, at least from the outside. One of the couples looking for friends, coincidentally, currently lived in the same house next door.
I sold myself to them as a buyer's agent, not affiliated with the owner and explained to them just how I could help them. None of them were currently represented so I have a decent shot at getting buyer clients out of the experience.
So, what were my mistakes you ask? First off, my printer chose Sunday morning, of all times, to die. I had no flyers of my own, with my contact info on them. I was forced to use the listing agent's flyers. Secondly, I had not ordered my new Keller Williams cards yet, so I was forced to give them my card from my old company, which is not very impressive. It does however have my correct contact info. Thirdly, according to the listing agent, I did not put out enough directional signs. I had four signs with balloons covering the entire entryway to the neighborhood. So that mistake is debatable. And lastly, the most egregious mistake I made was that I did not convince all of them to sign the registry and give me good contact information. One of the four couples signed in, one declined and wanted my card instead, and the other two couples and one individual left abruptly. My registry was in the kitchen, not by the front door. I neglected to ask them to sign in upon entering the house. I did give them all one of my old cards.
Overall it was a great experience and I have hope. I got along well with them all and my pitch for myself and my representation is getting better with each open house. Maybe some of them will call, and I will definitely contact the one couple who signed in. If nothing else it was a learning experience. I am getting better at my craft. As always please feel free to add your comments and criticisms.
Phillip
