Attract Potential Sellers with Neighbors Only Open Houses

Whodathunkit! An Open House can help agents win more listings? When agents have an Open House in a community that they’ve been focusing on getting more listings in (especially their geo-farm) an added neighbors-only Open House event can boost listing prospecting activities.

The strategy we’re breaking down below aims, not only at engaging more closely with a community, but also showing them how you “work” as an agent to deliver results for your clients. In this post we’ll get into all the details including:

• Why host a Neighbors-only Open House?
• Types of Neighbors-only Open House Events
• Marketing a Neighborhood Open House
• Info and Activities for a Neighbors-only Open House

Why host a Neighbors-only Open House?

Post-cards, email blasts and social posts can only take you so far when it comes to building relationships.

And if you’ve got a target community where you’re trying to be the “go to” agent, then relationships are vital. This is why geo-farming is a proven approach for establishing your brand within a community…but geo-farming strategies for agents can be a very “mail heavy”. However in-person engagement can take things to the next level.

A well hosted event with an element of exclusivity, makes neighbors feel special and appreciated. Moreover, neighbors are offered a front-row seat to the agent’s marketing proficiency, sales skills, and attention to detail. Eventually some of these neighbors will consider selling their own home and, assuming an agent continues their outreach in the community, they’ll have a solid shot at the business.

That’s why setting aside a time for a neighbors only Open House can be a great way to deepen the connection with your farm AND show-off the way an agent works.

And besides building connections with prospective sellers, neighbors may have family or friends looking to move into the area, making them potential sources for referral leads.

Another byproduct of this relaxed, familiar setting is that you may get a bit of feedback on the property that could help you fine tune it for prospective buyers.

Types of Neighbors-only Open House Events

There are a few options for your neighborhood Open House, but the main recommendation is that the neighbors should get “early access” to the Open House – so host the neighborhood Open House event before the public Open House.

Here are some specific Open House ideas for the neighbors-only event:

1. Consider Friday Afternoons or Even an Evening “Twilight” Open House for the Neighbors

A Friday afternoon or evening “twilight” open house offers a unique and appealing twist on the traditional open house format. By hosting the event during off-hours, such as the late afternoon or early evening, you can create a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere for neighbors. Twilight hours provide an aesthetically appealing setting, with softer lighting and a cozy vibe, which can make the property feel even more attractive. Hosting on a Friday also makes it easier for neighbors to attend after work, without the time constraints of weekend errands or plans. Additionally, this format provides a convenient opportunity for neighbors to casually preview the home without the pressure of competing buyers, allowing you to build rapport, gather valuable feedback, and even prompt conversations about the value of their own homes. Twilight open houses also give you the chance to present yourself as an approachable and active agent who goes the extra mile to accommodate the local community.

2. Neighbors-Only Brunch a Few Hours Before the Public Open House

Hosting a neighbors-only brunch before the public open house is a way to make neighbors feel special while offering an opportunity to showcase the property. A brunch setting can feature light refreshments, such as pastries, fruit, coffee, and tea, fostering a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. This allows neighbors to casually tour the home and engage in conversations with you in a less formal, pressure-free setting. By hosting the event a few hours before the public open house, you can cater specifically to the neighbors’ schedules while still leaving ample time before the main open house so you can cleanup and reset the property for the public.

3. Add a “neighbors-only hour” before the public Open House

If you don’t have the ability to make a completely separate neighbors-only event before the public Open House, consider making an exclusive hour before the public event just for the neighbors. Only promote this time to the neighbors (so shouldn’t be in the MLS). The downside to this is that IF you have good turnout and there are snacks and refreshments, you may have a bit of a mess to deal with before the actual public Open House. So consider having extra assistance to make sure the transition happens smoothly and the public aren’t seeing the property for the first time in a “post-party” state.

That minor administrative issue aside, it’s definitely worth trying this option especially if there’s not the possibility of doing a neighborhood Open House as a standalone event. As far as themes, you can also use the “community brunch” idea from above.

4. Mega Open House: Inviting Both Prospective Buyers and the Community

If scheduling a separate time for a neighbors-only event isn’t feasible, a Mega Open House is an excellent alternative. A Mega Open House is a large-scale, highly promoted event that invites both prospective buyers and the broader community to view the property. This event can create buzz around the listing, making it feel more like a neighborhood gathering or social event than a standard open house. Mega Open Houses often include extra features such as food trucks, live music, giveaways, or even local vendors, transforming the open house into a community event. This larger-scale approach not only attracts potential buyers but also engages neighbors who might be interested in seeing the home or referring friends and family. The presence of both groups in one space can increase the perceived demand for the property, as buyers see the level of interest, and neighbors feel a sense of involvement and excitement. Mega Open Houses can also serve as an excellent marketing opportunity to demonstrate your skills as an organized pro when it comes to marketing real estate, solidifying relationships with neighbors and positioning yourself for future listings.

And if you want some fodder for some more neighbors only Open House ideas we’ve got a separate article on the best times for Open Houses.

Marketing Tips for a Neighbors-only Open House

This may be one of the few marketing strategies where you just gotta do things the old fashioned way.

Reaching out to the local neighborhood requires in-person local marketing tactics. This almost always involves delivering invitations to the 20-25 nearest homes. If the neighborhood Open House is primarily a means to deepen engagement within a community, consider personally inviting each neighbor equally valuable. In some cases, the rapport created from inviting someone can be much better than the rapport from the Open House itself!

Btw this not only creates a personal bond but also enhances the probability of their attendance.

Want to see how it’s done on STEROIDS? Here’s a video of the Monica Carr team inviting 1000 neighbors to their Open House in Irvine, CA.

To add a tech-flair to your invitation approach, consider supplementing your flyer with a QR code that whisks them straight into home valuations on your website. You can use Curb Hero’s Dynamic QR code to do this with one of the many comparative market analysis (CMA) solutions.

This not only personalizes the invitation but introduces your online presence to them, which can prove invaluable in the long run. The fusion of digital modernism and old-school charm provided by this combo of door knocking and QR code-led website navigation strikes the perfect balance.

Want more door knocking inspo? Here’s a video packed with tips and recordings of live door knocking for an upcoming Open House.

The potency of a neighborhood open house is amplified by the use of creative engagement tools. Offering personalized handouts, such as branded items like calendars, pens or notepads (see our deep dive on real estate swag), help leave a tangible reminder of your business in their homes.

Also don’t shy away from making the event interactive – incorporating a sign-in linked to a raffle, or conducting a feedback activity not only keeps the attendees engaged but also arms you with plenty of useful information about them and their property preferences. Using Curb Hero for this type of interaction will keep things organized and streamline post-event marketing:

Remember, a successful neighbors-only open house does not only rely on the property itself, but heavily on your interaction with the neighborhood before, during, and after the event…so don’t waste an opportunity.

Info and Activities for a Neighbors-only Open House

Every party needs some activities to occupy guests. Here are some ideas for a neighborhood Open House:

1. Interactive Games – Engage neighbors with trivia about the neighborhood or home history. You could include fun quizzes about local landmarks, recent sales in the area, or community facts, with small prizes for correct answers.
2. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) – Offer personalized CMAs for neighbors to help them understand the value of their homes. This can lead to discussions about their selling prospects and establish you as the local expert.
3. Raffle or Giveaway – Hold a raffle where neighbors can enter by sharing the listing with family and friends. Prizes could include gift cards to local restaurants or businesses, which also reinforces community ties.
4. Neighborhood Feedback Board – Set up a “favorite things about the neighborhood” board where neighbors can post what they love about the area. This creates a sense of community and helps provide valuable local selling points to highlight to buyers.
5. Local Vendor Showcase – Invite local businesses, like coffee shops or bakeries, to set up small tasting stations. This supports local businesses and adds a personal touch to the event. Neighbors may feel more involved when they see familiar vendors.
6. “Ask the Expert” Table – Similar to the local vendor, have a corner where local real estate professionals (mortgage brokers, home inspectors, etc.) answer questions. This can provide additional value and potentially lead to partnerships with these professionals.
7. Home Improvement or DIY Workshop – Offer a brief workshop on home improvement or staging tips, presented by you or a partner contractor. This positions you as a resource for home-related knowledge and can spark conversations about upgrading or selling their own homes.
8. Photo Opportunity Station – Set up a photo booth or “Instagrammable” corner at the open house. Neighbors can take pictures and post them on social media, helping to spread the word about the home and the event.
9. Meet the Realtor Corner – Set up a casual space where neighbors can sit down with you to discuss any questions about the home, the neighborhood, or their own selling potential. This can serve as a soft lead generation tool.
10. Community Map Pinboard – Set up a large map where neighbors can place pins or stickers marking their homes or favorite spots in the area. This not only fosters community but also helps you learn more about the neighborhood.
11. Home History Display – Share interesting historical details about the property or neighborhood. Neighbors may have stories of their own to contribute, encouraging interaction and conversation.
12. Kids’ Activity Corner – Set up a small kids’ area with coloring books or simple games. This allows neighbors with children to stay longer and feel more comfortable attending, while providing an inviting family-friendly atmosphere.
13. Neighborhood Market Snapshot – Create an info corner with market statistics and updates on recent sales or trends specific to the neighborhood. This demonstrates your market knowledge and helps neighbors understand the potential value of selling their homes.

Food Drink for a Neighborhood Open House

Because you’re inviting neighbors (who aren’t necessarily prospective buyers) the ambiance should be more like a community get-together instead of a showcase of a property. Therefore, agents should have some kind of Open House food or drink offering.

Nothing says ‘welcome’ more than the tantalizing aroma of good food and warm beverages. A simple, well-thought-out selection of refreshments can turn your neighbors-only open house into a more relaxed and enjoyable event.

Consider setting up a mini cafe with a coffee cart or a selection of tea blends. This not only soothes your guests on a chilly day, but the aroma itself can add a homey resonance to your property. A casual BBQ, for instance, can add a relaxed, community atmosphere, making your real estate event feel more like a friendly gathering. Finger foods, cookies, or other easy-to-grab treats are an excellent choice, ensuring guests can enjoy a bite while touring the property.

While it might be tempting to serve alcohol, most experts recommend leaning towards non-alcoholic options – partially due to MLS restrictions, but also for the sake of maintaining a more sophisticated ambiance. Think sparkling cider or non-alcoholic mixers that can add a touch of celebration without the potential pitfalls of alcohol. Regardless of what you serve, the primary goal remains the same – make your neighbors-only open house a welcoming, hospitable experience that leaves a positive, lasting impression.

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In conclusion, a neighbors-only open house is more than just a chance to showcase a property—it’s an invaluable opportunity to build long-term relationships and position yourself as a local real estate expert. From offering engaging activities like neighborhood quizzes and CMAs to sending personalized thank-you notes, each interaction serves to strengthen your connection with the community. By creating an inviting, exclusive environment for neighbors, you’re not only encouraging them to refer potential buyers but also planting seeds for future listings.

Whether it’s a twilight open house on a Friday evening or a neighborhood brunch before the public event, these thoughtful touches make your open house stand out. Even if a dedicated neighbors-only time isn’t possible, a well-executed Mega Open House can combine the best of both worlds, drawing in both the local community and potential buyers. Ultimately, the goal is to turn each event into a stepping stone for building a strong, reliable network within the neighborhood, showcasing your expertise, and generating valuable leads for future business. A neighbors-only open house is a powerful, strategic tool that transforms a simple listing into a lasting opportunity for growth.