How to Have a Successful Open House

Brainstorming and Scheduling

• What type of event will we have?• Where will the event be located?• What is our goal for the event?• Will there be a theme for the event?• Will we have a special or a giveaway?• Which vendors should we invite?• What days and times do we receive the most

calls, appointments, and walk-ins?

Brainstorming and Scheduling

• Types of Events: • Location: Clubhouse, Outdoor Area, Pool• Goals: # of leases, # of applications, # of

contacts• Theme Ideas: Holidays, Sporting Events,

Seasons, Community Day, Carnival, • Specials & Giveaways: No App. Fee, ‘Pick a

Present’, Lottery Tickets,

Brainstorming and Scheduling

• Vendors: Insurance Agents, New Restaurants, Pizza Places, Time Warner, Fire Dept./Safety House, MaryKay or ThirtyOne representative, Car Dealerships, Grocery Stores, Churches

• Days and Times: Your highest traffic time will probably be the best time to hold an event

Advertising• Have flyers created for outreach and residents– Let Marketing Coordinator know as soon as

possible so there is plenty of time to create and distribute the flyers

• Invite the residents to attend and bring friends• Take flyers to all area businesses– Post Office, Grocery Stores, Pizza Places,

Churches, Auto Repair Shops, Pet Stores, Laundry Mat

Advertising• Post ads on Craigslist daily– You can post a JPEG of your flyer along with property

images

Advertising

• Have the Marketing Coordinator update the property’s website under Community Events

• Word of Mouth– Tell everyone you talk to about the open house– Tell everyone who calls the property about the

open house

Checklist for Event

At Least Two Weeks Prior To Event:BrainstormScheduleChoose a Theme and Giveaway/SpecialPartner with Vendors/BusinessesHave Marketing Materials CreatedSchedule for Extra Help (if needed)

Checklist for Event

At Least One Week Prior To Event:Distribute Flyers to Residents and through

OutreachUpdate Advertising and Posts DailyShop for SuppliesSet-Up Mini ModelsVerify with all Vendors and Extra Help

Checklist for Event

Day Before The Event:Set-Up/Decorate for EventPrepare Mini ModelHave Applications and Leases ReadyCreate Sign-In Sheet for All Guests

Name, Address, Email, Phone Number, MI Date, Apartment Style

Checklist for Event

Day of Event:Arrive early to check curb appeal, open up all

show units, open office, and prepare refreshments

Meet vendors/businesses and assist with their setup

Greet guests at the door and have them sign-inAfter the event, clean up, close up show units,

and make sure office is ready for the next business day

Checklist for Event

Day After Event:Send thank you notes to all

vendors/businesses, extra help, and guests/residents that attended

Do a post-event evaluation Process all of those applications you received!