A: That's a great question! These days, we have so many technological tools at our disposal to upgrade the entire customer experience from start to finish. Here are five ideas for you to implement at your next open house.
1. Capitalize on video, before & after.
Virtually every home is posted online these days, an a virtual tour can help set your listing apart. Create a virtual tour video and use that to enhance your marketing (Craigslist, email, social media, etc.) Be sure to include information about the neighborhood and community in addition to the home itself. Your video will help familiarize people with the property, but it will also help people get to know you as a person. Check out this great example from Tom Koel:
Virtually every home is posted online these days, an a virtual tour can help set your listing apart. Create a virtual tour video and use that to enhance your marketing (Craigslist, email, social media, etc.) Be sure to include information about the neighborhood and community in addition to the home itself. Your video will help familiarize people with the property, but it will also help people get to know you as a person. Check out this great example from Tom Koel:
Post-open house, shoot a quick recap of the open house events, thank anyone who attended (either in general or specific), and if appropriate, let the viewers know that there was interest in the house and it won't last long.
2. Get connected.
If the home doesn't have internet access readily available, bring your mobile hotspot/stick and have your computer available. There are multiple benefits to having a computer with internet access at an open house:
If the home doesn't have internet access readily available, bring your mobile hotspot/stick and have your computer available. There are multiple benefits to having a computer with internet access at an open house:
- Enable visitors to email or share the property website with others who aren't at the open house
- Showcase the features of searching on your site and allow people to register
- If you have the time, set custom searches through your website or the MLS
- Give people directions to their next location or direct them to a restaurant or shop nearby
- If the opportunity presents itself, sign an Exclusive and write an offer
Bonus! There are many people who use devices, like tablets, but do not have a data plan and rely on WiFi to be connected. If you have the ability to share your network, let them know that there is free WiFi available. This is especially a bonus for tech savvy clients who use services like Evernote to keep track of homes and details.
3. Take attendance with your iPad.
I've never personally used the Open Home Pro app, but from what I've heard from people like Chris Smith, it's the best $3.99 you'll ever spend. This iPad app will allow you to take attendance & receive a visit report, share mobile-enabled listings to any mobile device, automatically send a thank you email & information on price reductions and more.
I've never personally used the Open Home Pro app, but from what I've heard from people like Chris Smith, it's the best $3.99 you'll ever spend. This iPad app will allow you to take attendance & receive a visit report, share mobile-enabled listings to any mobile device, automatically send a thank you email & information on price reductions and more.
*Note: An Android version is planned although no timeframe has been set.
4. Add a little mood music.
As we all know from the movies, music can make an experience truly magical. Did you know that CENTURY 21 Real Estate has created a Pandora online radio station specifically to enhance the atmosphere of your open house, office or special event. The music is a customized selection of contemporary songs and includes a custom skin (background) that features the Smarter. Bolder. Faster. theme:
Click here to access the station now. Add it as a saved station to access it on your mobile phone or tablet. Don't forget speakers!
Want to create your own custom radio station? Sign up for a free account with Pandora.
5. Follow-up in seconds (and in style).
The Postagram App for iPhone and Android provides a unique opportunity to connect with a potential client both at the open house and again a few days after:
Does your home have a great backyard or fireplace? Offer to take a family photo or couples portrait and collect their mailing address. Include a thank you message on the postcard and voila! You've created a unique memory, followed up with something tangible, and provided your contact information all in one quick, easy and cheap motion.
*Note: at time of this posting, Postagrams cost $0.99 each with discounted multi-packs available.
So tell us, how do you enhance your open house with technology?
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