Excited to leave tonight for our Colombia trip, to check out Medellin.  First time I am traveling internationally with just a carryon, so we’ll see how it goes.  Our realtor in Medellin just sent me a  2 level penthouse condo with amazing views, 2 car parking and all remodeled for $225,000.  Crazy, isn’t it?

One of the things I noticed when visiting Panama recently is that they do not have a MLS and don’t do open houses.  Now no MLS would really suck, but no open houses?  I would LOVE that! 

Those of you who know me know that I am not a big fan of open houses.  Everyone knows it’s not done to sell the property.  It’s done to pick up buyers.  But I know agents still do them. 

And if you are going to do them, do them to pick up LISTINGS!

I have seen some open houses where the agent just sits there and says nothing.  I have seen some agents just sit on the couch and ignore the guests.  I have seen some agents leave the open house EMPTY!  WTF?

IF you are going to do an open house, do it right.  Prepare for it, know the area.  Know the listing if it’s not yours.  Demand visitors sign in.  Engage all visitors and get their info because many visitors as you know are surrounding homeowners just looking for info.  And most importantly, ask homeowners for the appointment RIGHT THEN to see their house.

Bring comps of the area.  One agent in my office has an easel with a large poster board of what is in the area.  Serve food.  Play music.   Work the open house as if your life depended on it.  You already know what to do at open houses.

And the most important thing is to follow up!  Call and email your visitors and send your marketing info, get the appointment, work this list.

I honestly knew one agent who laid down on the sofa during the open house and told visitors to yell if they needed anything, honest to God.  (have to admit that is funny).  But why bother?

So if you’re going to do opens, prepare like a jet pilot.  Be ready.  Know the drill.  And make it a mission to arrive at your destination in one piece (the destination, in this case, is a new listing).