7 Tips for Hosting a Successful Open House
Hosting property walk-throughs is an important step in attracting quality tenants and making sure your vacant property gets filled as quickly as possible. A successful open house requires careful planning and execution and can be the make or break in a decision between two rentals. So what can you do to make sure your property stands out and that your open house is a success?
Prepare the Property for Visitors
Just as you would prepare your home for hosting company, you should do the same for a rental property. Give the space a thorough cleaning so that it feels as though it is ready to be lived in, and remove any clutter. You want visitors to envision the space as their own, so if you do any staging, keep it minimal and basic. Take the time to ensure that all appliances are in working order and that any maintenance that may be needed is taken care of before you start showing. This will show the potential tenant that you care about the property and the well-being of the person living there.
Create an Inviting Atmosphere
Create an inviting space that encourages visitors to explore the property thoroughly and feel welcome. Stage the home with nice flowers or plants to show off the natural light or play soft background music to cut the silence. This atmosphere extends to you and your demeanor as well, so be friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic about the property! A positive interaction can leave a lasting impression on potential tenants.
Utilize Technology and the Internet
Some renters are looking at properties in cities they are hoping to move to, so they may not be there just yet for an in-person tour. In this case, 3D video walk-throughs and virtual tours can come in handy, and having these options available opens up your pool of accessible tenants. Providing options for contactless application submission can also speed up and streamline the process. An online presence is almost always necessary when showing a rental property; utilize a management company that uses real estate directories online like Zillow. However, listing on Zillow or similar is just scratching the surface. Our rental listing portal is sought after by potential tenants who have come to know and trust Utopia. Starting out as a dominant property management company in San Diego, we’ve expanded to over 40 cities throughout the West Coast. Our internet presence and our rental listing portal is one of our most valuable assets.
Provide Helpful Information Packets to Take With
Prepare small informational packets for visitors to hold onto and take with them. These might contain essential information about the home, monthly rent and terms, application procedures, FAQs, and photos or blueprints of the home. A physical pamphlet helps the renter to remember the property and serves as a helpful resource.
Be Knowledgeable of the Area
Not only should you be prepared to answer any questions about the property, but you should familiarize yourself with the neighborhood and surrounding area. Be ready to answer questions about the local school district, parks, amenities, public transportation, and the community. The more information you provide, the better!
Highlight what makes your Property Special
If this property offers a stunning waterfront view or has a great deck for hosting and grilling, emphasize those features as a major selling point. Whether it is ample closet and storage space, original hardwood floors, or updated appliances, be sure to focus on the memorable characteristics that set your property apart from the rest.
Be Available
Timing is critical when hosting an open house and most of the time, weekends are best. But if you are getting interest from renters who are trying to schedule a walk-through during a weekday and you aren’t available, you lose out on prospective tenants. If you work most weekdays, utilizing a property management company like Utopia can benefit both you and your potential tenants as they will be available 7 days a week for a scheduled showing.
Hosting an open house doesn’t have to be stressful, and instead should be fun and exciting! With organized planning, a welcoming atmosphere, and an eye for detail you can create a lasting experience that makes your property stand out from the rest.
