Are you considering hosting an Open House for your client’s property in the UAE, but not sure how to go about it? Fret not, we’ve got you covered! Read on to find out how you can host your first successful Open House for a property in UAE.
What is an Open House?
An Open House is a set time for a property viewing, allowing interested buyers to explore the property in person. During an Open House, the owners usually vacate the property.
Although Open Houses aren’t as common in the UAE as in other parts of the world, you can generate a lot of interest in the property with the right amount of planning and a sprinkle of marketing.
An open house allows people to visit a property within a defined time (between 2-4) and (usually) without the owners being present. It allows more anonymity as the agent stands back and allows potential buyers to meander through the house at their own pace.
Why Host an Open House?
An Open House is a great opportunity for brokers to showcase properties in new communities or buildings. Clients can take their time exploring the property, soaking in the ambience, rather than having a quick one-on-one viewing with a broker. This is why there are several instances of realtors closing deals right after hosting one.
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It also helps you, the realtor, to identify any potential issues in the property. Another person’s perspective can help you identify issues that may deter future buyers, for example, unattractive wall colours or unappealing layouts.
Making it work!
Although unconventional, Open Houses can help showcase the positives of newer communities and attract serious buyers. Some things to know about hosting one for beginners:
- Open houses span between one to three hours. Avoid public holidays and Fridays, as fewer people will attend
- Greet your clients and make them feel welcome.
- Promote the open house across social media and with signage if possible.
- Music and lighting can really set a welcoming tone. Make sure the music is “soft” (think Classical, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra or soft rock)
- The goal of hosting an open house is to make the property as attractive as possible to potential buyers. To do this, ensure that it is clean and everything is organised. Remove any identifiable personal belongings of the owners, such as photographs and posters, as it may prevent the visitors from imagining themselves living there
- Keep toiletries (such as toothbrushes and combs) out of view. Fix issues that require minor repairs, such as leaky taps or peeling wall paint
- Serving a selection of drinks and small finger foods is a very welcoming gesture and something we highly recommend
- In a survey by the National Association of Realtors, 47% of real estate agents agree that some form of staging is a must during an Open House.
Open Houses may seem like additional work for a broker, such as having the property cleaned and decluttered. But, going the extra mile for your clients in real estate tends to pay off. So why not, give it a whirl!
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