Where Can I Find somebody to.........

Question

Does anybody have any ideas about how I can find somebody to Host an open House in my absence???

I don't really want to use an Estate Agent I'm not keen to pay 3-6% Ideally I would like to pay somebody an hourly rate just to turn up on specific pre-arranged days.

Maybe you can suggest a recruitment website that doesnt cost Loads to advertise on.

N/A N/A · Answer

If all you require is the "assistant" to hand your fliers, get leads for you and keep an eye on the people visiting your open house, how about asking your mortgage banker for help? Loan Originators working for banks (like ours: JPMorgan Chase & Co. / Chase Home Finance) are screened and have credentials to earn your trust. The LO knowns the law and will know what to answer and what not to answer. Remember, LOs are your partners and want the house to be sold, especially if they will fund the deal.   :pup:

Account Closed · Answer

Rebecka,

Thanks for sharing. Great idea.

John Corey

James M. · Answer

I'd have to agree with the virtual assistants.  They are catching onto the real estate market like wildfire.  It's like they came out of nowhere  :lol: .  Let us know about your results.

N/A N/A · Answer

Craigslist is a great resource for advertising and offering of something.  This may work for you at some point. Check the state laws first always. Good Luck

Christopher Gravillis · Answer

EXCELLENT. That might be just what I'm after!!!

Thank you.

Rebecka Melson · Answer

Try to locate a real estate virtual assistant in your area. You might even be able to find one who is licensed. Licensed or not, if you find one who specializes in real estate they will know what they legally can and cannot do in your state.

Here are the two best VA forums (in my opinion) where you can post an RFP:

vanetworking[dot]com
virtualassistantforums[dot]com

Account Closed · Answer

It sounds like you get what you pay for. Maybe there is some value in spending money on advertising or an agent.

John Corey

Lynn Z · Answer

Craogslist has been a godsend the past 21/2 years but they have allowed commercial properties to advertise with the little guys so every property manager lists each house or apartment they have over and over and over.  You're bounced from the main listing after 2 days in our area.

I'm using Kijiji because it's new and unknown.  It produces more replies than Craigslist this time around.   Since it's Ebay it counts the hits so in 220 hits I got 3 replies.   We loved the university website as well for about two years.  Nada today.  And yes, I advertised my rental open house for free on both sites.  The fall is tough here in my town.  And most of the comers are young with puppies to house-a lethal combination.

Craigslist was great It's been lousy since every big promoter in the country found out about it.   Listers should be limited to low number of ads -- not unlimited like it is now.  It's free though and they can do what they want.

Account Closed · Answer

In the US just use Craigslist.

Gumtree is owned by one of the big players trying to catch up with Craigslist.

Be careful when it comes to trying to save the pennies. You might be slowing down or losing sales opportunties. You also could be taking on very large legal liability while saving pennies.

If you are using UK thinking in the US you are more likely to get burned. On all your advertising add that you will coorperate with brokers so that if one has a client they will work with you rather than steer them to other properties. Even the people who walk in by themselves will likely have an agent who they are viewing other properties with. Over 90% of the US transactions are handled through an agent so missing 90% of the market will significantly impair a business dependent of getting the cash to do the next deal.

John Corey

Lynn Z · Answer

Know any bartenders?  They have great personalities and probably would enjoy getting paid by the hour.  Or an assistant to a realtor that used to be in the business.  They know enough to stay out of trouble.

Realtors in our state can't do FSBO open houses.  Violation of their contract.
I'd use the same person I'd use to serve as a 1031 QI in a pinch...reliable but someone that is basically very honest.  Remember, those color flyers and signs out on Saturday for Sunday plus good ads are part of deal.

I just held an open house for my nice rental house.  Had a great time and good traffic.  Two out of three wanted to rent up the house and make application.