|
Most for sale by owners employ two methods of
advertising to draw potential buyers to an open house: 1)
directional signs and 2) newspaper advertising. Even though these
two methods are most commonly employed by a FSBO, try to take advantage
of some of these more subtle methods listed below.
Directional Signs: Directional signs
are the short, knee-high signs that have a large arrow pointing to the
left or right. These signs are used to direct visitors from major
traffic intersections to the open house. Be sure to put one out in
front of the house, pointing at the home. Unless you live out in
the sticks or in an area where there is not a lot of drive-by traffic,
directional signs will be your most effective advertising dollars spent.
Newspaper Advertising. As outlined in
the
Newspaper Advertising Section, a buyer may scan the weekend open
house ads for a potential purchase. Be sure to include the basics
about your property and open house such as the address, open house
hours, the price, and the main features and amenities of the home.
Avoid using your phone number because the only people that will call
will be real estate agents trying to list your home.
Informational Tube and Sales Flyer: If
you have your next open house scheduled, be sure to include the time(s)
and day(s) on your sales flyer that you place within your informational
tube. (See the section on
For
Sale Signs and
FSBO
Flyers for more information on these items).
Sign Rider: If you prefer, have an
inexpensive sign rider made to hang below your for sale sign that
advertises your next open house. Most sign riders of this nature
read, "Open House Sat-Sun, 12-5" or something to this effect.
Neighborhood Flyers: Photo-copy
several dozen/hundred leaflets to hand out throughout your neighborhood
a couple of days prior to your open house. On the leaflet, you
should include basic information and features about your home, the
address, and the day/hours when you plan to hold your open house.
Bulletin Boards: Post an open house
notice on area bulleting boards in your area. Places could include
churches, apartment complexes, local businesses, community centers, etc.
Co-workers, Friends, and Family: Tell
everyone you know about your next open house. Encourage them to
share this information with their family and friends who may be
interested in buying a home in your area.
Neighbors: Many real estate agents
will distribute flyers and notices to the neighbors inviting them to
bring a friend to their next open house. Often times these
neighbors will know someone (such as a family member or friend) that
would like to be closer to them.
Real Estate Agents: If you are willing
to pay a commission to a real estate agent for finding a buyer for your
home, consider distributing open house flyers to local real estate
offices. Visit the section about
Deciding to Sell By
Owner for more information on this subject.
|
