an open house!!

Hey there!
we just took over a very nice property a few months ago. We have a lot of leases expiring and open units so we are hosting an open house in less than 2 months. I am looking for ideas that we can do to help market and successfully pull this off. Do you guys have any ideas??

Hi Paige, congratulations on the new community!

Years ago when I worked onsite we did a Round Robin Open House. Here's a quick rundown:

Designate one apartment in each available floor plan to show and decorate each in a different theme. Guests can come in and view all of the homes at one time. Advertise the number of apartment homes that will be in the round robin. (i.e., 4 homes available to view!)

Upon arrival, complete a guest card, take their ID and give each guest a community map designating the locations of these apartment homes. Make sure an employee is staffed at each apartment home to provide tours and answer questions. The employees can even dress in costume in keeping with that particular apartment’s theme. Serve light snacks and play music to create a festive mood.

After guests have made their rounds and return to the office, offer a closing incentive (i.e., waived app fee) if they are able to lease on the spot. If they are unable to commit to a lease, set up a return appointment.

Theme Idea:
“Love Your Home All Year Long”

Winter (apple cider or snow cones)

Spring (peeps, jelly beans)

Summer (fruit smoothies)

Fall (caramel apples)

I think we set a maximum of $50 per apartment for decorations. A few vendors sponsored the food so that saved us $$. I'm sure others will be chiming in. MFI is a huge resource for great ideas!