Unlocking the Power of Open Houses

Picture of Jane Pinzhoffer

Jane Pinzhoffer

Share this story:

Unlocking the Power of Open Houses

A lot of people are resistant to the idea of open houses. Security risks, unqualified buyers, and too many “lookie-loos” are the reasons often given. But open houses remain a staple in the industry because they’re super effective, offering excellent exposure and an invaluable opportunity to showcase your property to potential buyers.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a real estate agent trying to sell a property, keep reading because open houses are back in full swing.

Recent open houses hosted by KT Realty have been busy, proving that regardless of high-quality photos and videos, people want to view properties in person.

Sometimes, it’s how a buyer gets introduced to the property. In some cases, they weren’t even planning to buy. First-time home buyers, in particular, are often unsure of what they’re looking for or even how to start the process. Maybe they were driving by and saw the sign on the lawn and decided to stop and look.

Even people who aren’t necessarily interested in buying but want to see inside may know someone who would be serious about buying. Word-of-mouth has always been a great way to advertise. At the end of the day, the more people who see your property, the higher your odds of success.

For Realtors: Adrian and Ariel’s Tips on How to Set up and Run an Open House

Scheduling an Open House

Ensure that the open house has been scheduled on the appropriate real estate board so prospective buyers searching on the various real estate websites will see the upcoming open house; this is the primary source of visitors (serious ones, anyway.)

What are Typical Open House Hours?

This will vary between regions but 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM is common. We host our open houses for an extra hour, running from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM. It’s not unusual for the last hour of our open house to be busier than the two previous hours combined.  If there are a lot of open houses scheduled, visitors will plan their route accordingly, stopping at ours last. This means they aren’t in as much of a rush, and they’re more likely to take their time, engage in conversation and allow our team members to take them on a proper tour.

Real Estate Sign By-Laws

Enough with putting ten signs and flags on every corner; it’s annoying and usually against municipal by-laws.  Familiarize yourself with the local by-laws and abide by them. Our best practices include the following:

  • Set up as many signs as you’re allowed
  • Install them the morning of the open house and remove them at the end of each day; do not leave them up all weekend.
  • Ask permission from homeowners when putting it on or close to private property.

Real Estate Agent Personal Hygiene

While this should be common sense, it’s been apparent in recent experiences that real estate agents must be reminded to be mindful of their appearance and odour. The big one is cigarettes; if you smoke, you smell. There’s no sugarcoating it. It’s unpleasant whether you smell like smoke, a mixture of smoke and bubble gum or smoke and cologne.  Be mindful of what you eat and wear, among other things.

My Real Estate Agent didn’t host the Open House

This is not uncommon and, for busy agents, often necessary. However, if somebody other than the primary agent, who the homeowners are familiar with, will be hosting an open house, ensure the homeowner knows, and ensure the real estate agent has visited the property and is familiar with the various aspects of it, including features, size, and local amenities.

Will Visitors Look in My Drawers?

Expect prospective buyers to look inside your appliances, closets, cabinets and anything else included in the sale. While some may consider this an invasion of privacy, buyers want to ensure that everything functions properly and is in a good state of repair.

Open houses are worth doing, especially for new listings. You will have all types of visitors, from neighbours to genuine purchasers, and you never know who will be the buyer, or who they will tell about your property. Don’t gamble with who the ultimate buy is. Run open houses and increase your exposure.

LISTEN | THE REAL ESTATE PODCAST

Read | REAL ESTATE BLOGS

Buying, Selling, or Leasing?

Contact KT today for a no obligation conversation.

Inspired? Confused? Comment.

Read More

February’s Checklist

Get your home ready for spring with this February home checklist! From attic inspections to landscaping plans, stay ahead with these essential home maintenance tips.

Read More »

How to Price Your Rental

Owning rental property in Milton can be a fantastic source of passive income—if you find the right tenant! This guide from KT Realty’s Milton real estate agents covers smart pricing strategies, tips for attracting reliable renters, and why setting your rent just below market value can make all the difference.

Read More »

First time buying a home?

Buying your first home in Canada can be more affordable than you think. From the First Home Savings Account and Home Buyers’ Plan to Land Transfer Tax rebates and new mortgage rules, there are plenty of ways to save thousands on your purchase. Learn how these programs work and what you need to consider so you can make the most of your homeownership journey.

Read More »

Compare

Open House Terms & Privacy Agreement

for KT Open Houses

  1.  

1. Visitor Etiquette: All visitors are required to maintain a respectful and safe environment in our client’s property by adhering to the following etiquette guidelines unless otherwise directed by a representative of The KT Team:

  • Footwear: Please remove footwear upon entry to help preserve the property’s cleanliness.
  • Washroom Facilities: Visitors are kindly asked to refrain from using washroom facilities.
  • Personal Belongings and Furniture: For privacy and safety, please avoid touching personal belongings or opening furniture not part of the sale. Examples include dressers, media consoles, and most free-standing furniture.
  • Food and Beverages: Outside food and beverages are prohibited while touring the property.
  • Furniture: To respect our client’s space, please avoid sitting or lying on any furniture.
  • Pets: Pets are not allowed within the property.
  • Children: Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring children follow these guidelines.

2. Visitor Tracking and Safety: To ensure the safety of our clients’ property and personal belongings and the security of our real estate agents, all visitors are required to provide accurate and complete contact information. This information is used to track attendees and ensure accountability.

3. Digital Communications and Follow-Up: By providing your contact information, you consent to receive digital communications from our real estate team, including information about this property, future open houses, and other relevant real estate opportunities. These communications may include marketing or promotional messages, and we aim to keep them relevant to your interests.

4. Opting Out: You may opt out of receiving digital communications at any time by contacting us directly at the contact points below or following the unsubscribe link provided in messages. Opting out will remove you from future marketing communications, although we may retain your contact information for internal records related to visitor tracking.

KT Realty
229 – 336 Bronte Street South
Milton ON L9T 7W6
[email protected]
1 (800) 617-0090

4. Prospecting and Sales Activity: Our real estate team may use your information for prospecting and follow-up purposes. We ensure these communications are conducted respectfully and aim to provide opportunities aligned with your interests.

5. Privacy and Data Protection: We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. Your details will not be shared with third parties, except as required by law or for purposes directly related to the safety of open house events.

6. Acknowledgment: By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions. You agree to adhere to any additional requests or instructions the real estate agents provide to maintain a safe and secure environment during your visit.