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Sharon Paxson, Newport Beach Real Estate  (Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties)

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Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Sharon,

I like how some of the great agents in Santa Barbara do it.  They make an effort to meet each person, and then ask permission to write their name down for further contact.  I found it friendly and inviting.  A

Jan 26, 2015 06:11 AM
Rainer
18,902
Natalie Myslinski
La Grange Park, IL
BPOR, SFR

I use Open Home Pro.  I have had zero resistance to it. It is super simple to use and setup. 

Jan 26, 2015 03:36 AM
Rainer
227,737
Michael Rasch
International Property Finder - Property Option - Hallandale Beach, FL
Michael Rasch 305-741-1819

Hi, Great question. people love to sign in on pad's or laptops. they don't like paper anymore

I rarely do open houses, but when I do I have a hard policy about whom I let in.

Realtor with the clients, business card only.

sight-seer's: name, email and phone number.  don't want to fill out, you are not getting in period, come back with your Realtor, c-ya

Let's talk about safety for a second:

the ID check above is for your safety, if they fill it out, then the are serious, so you don't have to worry to much, that still does not mean you let your guard down

get a maglite http://maglite.com/shop/maglite-3-cell-d-led-3rd-gen-flashlight-556.html#.VMjz0S7SzwA

practice hitting haystacks at eye level, trust me, you'll open a can of whoop-ass on someone and have the opportunity to run if you practice.  and get the weaved holder, your mag-lite slides out easier.

Mace ( pepper stray ) is not good from my perspective, just makes people angry and does not give you the chance to escape ( unless you got a fogger, that's the big can of bear mace, then you have a chance )

 

Pistol, don't even think it, unless you have real, long term training on how to draw, point, and shoot. the odds are you will get yourself killed. Most people cannot hit a target at 5 paces ( 15 feet )

 

Jan 27, 2015 11:02 PM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

 I really don't do this anymore Sharon Paxson . I don't find this effective and old school. I'd rather introduce myself formally, shake their hands, ask them for their names, and small talk with them (and ask where they are from and what are they looking for) as they step in the doorway while I open the door and hold it firmly in one hand, and hand out my business card.

I train all my buyers when they go to open houses, never to give out their names on a registration form, have them hand out my business card instead - and I supply them with a stack of them, and to write my name and phone number instead as the contact person. So I get the call from the open house host.

Jan 27, 2015 10:15 PM
Rainmaker
554,600
Francine Viola
Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA - Olympia, WA
REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs

I don't use an app nor a piece of paper.  I've had my buyers who have gone to open houses, and they tell me how the agent was and if they were asked to sign in.  They hate to sign in and then they tell me the reasons the agent told them as to why they needed to sign in: "it's for the seller's security;" "we are required to do this;" (like it is a law or something!); and, "I'd like to send you a thank you card for attending."  So far based on my clients' feedback, they didn't like any of these "reasons."

Jan 27, 2015 05:00 AM
Rainer
279,878
Dipti Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
On a team with Praful Thakkar

Praful uses iPad.

Jun 05, 2018 10:32 PM
Rainmaker
873,519
Mike McCann Nebraska Land Broker
Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Farm & Commercial Land Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska - Kearney, NE
Farm & Commercial Property For Sale 308-627-3700

Sounds like a great idea.  I have never had people balk at writing down their name...so I do not see this as a major obstacle.  Good Luck to those using the newest technology!!

Jan 27, 2015 06:52 AM
Rainmaker
953,717
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

Occasionally I would have resistance if I left my card out, now I keep my business cards in the pocket until after they're done with the iPad.

Jan 27, 2015 05:43 AM
Rainmaker
630,251
Ajay Pandya
e-Merge Real Estate Unlimited - Columbus, OH
Realtor Ajay Pandya

Nothing, yet.

Jan 24, 2018 10:31 PM
Rainmaker
1,432,649
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

I have them register on a card, rather than a list.  I ask 4 or 5 questions.  Name, etc., what you want in a home, do you have an agent?  

Jan 30, 2015 01:35 AM
Rainmaker
2,194,668
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

I don't use an iPad in that manner because it doesn't make the visitor feel special. In fact, I don't want a notepad to be too convenient nearby, either. I'd rather fumble in my bag, and write their name on the back of a grocery receipt. You don't want to come across as too polished at picking up leads.

Jan 29, 2015 02:33 AM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Love Open House Pro on the rare occasion I do an open house.  People seem to offer no resistance to signing in on an iPad vs pen and paper. 

Jan 28, 2015 11:25 AM
Rainmaker
1,107,863
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

I prefer to meet each guest, keep conversation light, answer questions, engage them, and ask if I can send them information.  Most are happy to share information. I use a simple sign-in sheet and make certain they leave with my contact information.

Jan 28, 2015 11:11 AM
Rainer
22,600
David Bacon
Realty One Group - Glendale, AZ

I also have done the IPAD open house APP with not much luck compared to pen and paper. However I believe it also depends on what time of area your open house is in. Here in AZ with many Retirement communities the IPAD APPS don't do well compared to areas with younger buyers. 

Jan 27, 2015 10:24 PM
Rainer
273,237
Richard Robibero, e-Pro, ABR, SRS
Panorama R.E. Limited - Toronto, ON
Selling Your Home as if it were My Own!

Great suggestions. I use traditional pen and paper now but look forward to an iPad App.

As for their not being a law that requires them to sign in it is our duty to protect the Seller and their assets. I also have it right there in big letters if they don't want to be contacted I will not contact them. Plain and simple.

Jan 27, 2015 10:01 PM
Rainmaker
2,759,871
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Mmmm.  If I were a home buyer, I'd be thingking:

"Why must I have a some device stuck in my face before I can simply ask a few questions about the property?"

Jan 27, 2015 08:48 PM
Rainer
117,040
Althea Kippes, Esq.
A.T. Kippes, Real Estate Broker - San Francisco, CA
Serving San Francisco to Silicon Valley!

I use Open Home Pro on the iPad.  I also have pen and paper available as well.  People like using the iPad and it avoids trying to decipher someone's messy handwriting.  If people want disclosures, I use the iPad because it makes emailing easier.  Also, if you use the Open Home Pro program, check the settings.  It will send an automatic email when the open house is over and you may not want that sent to everyone.

Jan 27, 2015 03:36 PM
Rainmaker
1,318,269
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

I have had a paper sign in and it has been quite successful.  

Jan 27, 2015 09:31 AM
Rainmaker
666,639
AJ Heidmann ~ CRS
McEnearney Associates, Inc. - Alexandria, VA
YOUR Alexandria & Arlington, VA Real Estate Expert

Sharon - I haven't used an app before... I use individual sign in cards made with Microsoft Publisher for a more polished look.  The reason that I use individual cards is so that I can make notes on the back as I go along; nothing worse than really connecting with a person and then you can't remember what their name is.  Most people do fill it out, at their name & agent if they have one... not perfect but cheap and effective.  As David above said... make sure you can read their writing as soon as they finish filling it out.

Best of luck with whatever you end up using...

Jan 27, 2015 08:50 AM
Rainmaker
878,659
Kevin Mackessy
Blue Olive Properties, LLC - Highlands Ranch, CO
Dedicated. Qualified. Local.

 When I've done them in the past I just used pen and paper.  Simpler and gets the same point across. 

Jan 27, 2015 06:51 AM
Rainmaker
263,964
Kim & Kristine Halverson
Sotheby's & Knipe ERA - Bend, OR
Sisters, Realtors

We use a simple sign-in sheet. I've looked into the iPad app. However, I didn't like using it when I visited another agent's open house...and for that reason alont I'd have a hard time getting others to use it.

If you're looking for something different to do, try having a pocket listing sign-up sheet.

Best,

Kim

Jan 27, 2015 06:32 AM
Rainmaker
940,545
David Alan Baker | Laveen & South Phoenix Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Phoenix - Laveen, AZ
Your local Expert

I have not done through I pad, but usually write their information down on a sheet or ask them to write.  Very important, make sure you can read it before they leave.

So far I've been pretty good at scoring those digits. LOL

Jan 27, 2015 05:48 AM
Rainer
104,074
Mike Belobradic
Johnston & Daniel Oakville - Oakville, ON
Your Trusted Advisor in Oakville Real Estate

I may try Open Home Pro next. Agents in our office seem to like it. I tried AM Open House, but it wasn't a good fit for me (I tried it because they sync with a lot of CRM platforms, including mine). I am a bit concerned about my iPad being stolen, so I am considering how to protect against that as well.

Jan 27, 2015 04:23 AM
Rainer
8,208
Ryan Tranchita

I have been thinking about trying this.  Thanks for the useful suggestions everyone.  Have a productive day!

Jan 27, 2015 03:16 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I don't use one.  It's paper and pen for me.

Nov 05, 2017 05:09 AM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Good question Sharon, our open houses are by appointment only, so I generally have my guest list on my tablet already.

Apr 05, 2015 12:49 PM
Rainer
56,545
Kathryn Jones
Sotheby's International Realty - Big Bear Lake, CA
"Relax, Rewind & Rejuvenate...in the Mountains!"

I use Open House Pro and also have a sign in book. This allows them to sign in with the format they are comfortable with. I don't force anyone to sign in. If they do, then they are willing to be contacted. Why waste time on those who sign in and provide bogus information?

Feb 01, 2015 09:28 AM
Rainmaker
1,026,994
Sharon Paxson
Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Real Estate

Great comments and suggestions here, I have had similar situations where home owner wouldn't let me show the home unless they were pre-approved! She didn't want looky loos!

Jan 30, 2015 02:35 AM
Rainmaker
236,403
Liane Thomas, Top Listing Agent
Professional Realty Services® - Corona, CA
Bringing you Home!

Open Home Pro. Give someone an IPad and they will use it!

Jan 30, 2015 12:37 AM
Rainmaker
530,668
Peggy James
SAMSON PROPERTIES - Woodbridge, VA
Woodbridge Virginia Area Real Estate Specialist

We simply talk to each visitor as they come into the heart of the home. We let them look around however ask that they sign in as a courtesy to the homeowner ( who would like to know who was in their home)

We have preloaded on our iPads, and iPhones nearby OPEN HOUSES, the subject property, a list of homes in that price range in the area and comps for the subject home. Depending on the conversation, we might say "would you like a list of the homes that have recently sold in the past 90 days?"They always say yes, then I say " would you like it by email or text. I send it instantly. The list has our contact information on it. ( We do the same for buyers.

 

Jan 29, 2015 08:07 AM
Rainer
51,536
Marilyn O'Donoghue
Long & Foster Avalon - Avalon, NJ

I may give it a try-great posts!

Jan 29, 2015 06:38 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I have an app on my iPad but use a paper and pen as i found people do not mind writing their name on the sheet of paper.. 

Jan 28, 2015 09:13 PM
Rainmaker
647,038
Larry Lawfer
YourStories Realty Group - Newton, MA
"I listen for a living." It's all about you.

I sell luxury properties, no one gets into the house without signing in.  No one.  I had a person come in who said he was an attorney and he wasn't going to sign in and give me his information. I told him fine, but as the person with the fiduciary responsibility for the property he could not come in. He should me his license and I let him in.

I use Open Home Pro and only rarely do I get push back.  My assistant, who is at the front door, always lets the people know that they will get a thank you note from us but will never be spammed or put into our database for future mailings.  I speak personally with each and every person while they are in the house. That is our job.

Jan 28, 2015 09:12 PM
Rainer
557,375
Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

I screen prospects to determine if they are researching, buying or simply curious about the open house. Depending on what I discover will determine if I'll persuade them to provide their email address and cell number. Why would anybody contact a consumer who has already disqualified themselves as a legitimate future client?

Jan 28, 2015 01:00 PM
Rainer
18,309
Rita Harris
W.P. & Assoc. - Seattle, WA
Specialty: Immigrant families & vintage homes

Gotta say, I attended an Open where the agent met me in the entry with his pad and asked me questions which he recorded the answers.  Personally, I felt like I was in the Apple Store with a problem rather than visiting a property where they were welcoming the general public!

I liked in theory, Michael Rasch's idea of not letting in people unless they give up the info.  

That said, in my area (Seattle, WA) RedFin sends their clients to properties which are being held open.  Usually these people are not going to provide me with any information and sometimes, they even arrive with their inspector in tow!  Perhaps fellow Olympia, WA Broker, Francine Viola can relate?  I appreciated your comments about your clients' resistence.

Not sure how I feel about this app.  I'd love to hear from people in large cities such as NYC, SFO, LA, Portland..... How is it working for yooooou?

Rita Harris, Broker
WP & Associates
Seattle, WA

Jan 28, 2015 12:37 PM
Rainer
222,658
Jirius Isaac
Isaac Real Estate &TriStar Mortgage - Kenmore, WA
Real Estate & loans in Kenmore, WA

Paper is still best for something like this.  Use technology when it is better, not for everything.

Jan 28, 2015 12:12 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

I have used one from ListingsToLeads template on my tablet.

Jan 28, 2015 12:01 PM
Rainmaker
1,139,819
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

Just lurking in the back ground here to read the answers.  I am not great at open houses though this year I may try a few. 

Jan 27, 2015 07:33 PM
Ambassador
2,436,210
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I used to use paper sign-in sheets, but people didn't like to use them. Since I started bringing my iPad with the Open Home app, I've only had one person say no. Most people like the swiping and entering of info.

 

Jan 27, 2015 07:18 PM
Rainmaker
1,449,860
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

Check out Bright Open which works in conjunction with Top Producer.

Jan 27, 2015 03:26 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I stay much less formal.. Seldom have anyone decline to sign. 

Jan 27, 2015 01:28 PM
Rainmaker
1,026,994
Sharon Paxson
Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Real Estate

I have been using Open Home Pro, but I have had (at times) people not want to sign in and not want to give me email address. Of course I respect their privacy. I do like the app. Thank you everyone for your comments!

And re: my iPad, I keep it with me all the time, and phone in back pocket!

Jan 27, 2015 07:32 AM