What Food Should I Prepare for Realtor Open Houses?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread centers around food suggestions for realtor open houses, with participants sharing their excitement and personal experiences related to networking and showcasing food items. Various ideas for snacks and treats are discussed, along with strategies for promoting their services as Pampered Chef consultants.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses enthusiasm for providing snacks at open houses and seeks suggestions for make-ahead foods that can be frozen, mentioning flatbread and spreads.
  • Another participant shares their experience of considering similar food displays for a neighbor's house sale, suggesting the use of a cheese board and wine for a visually appealing setup.
  • One participant mentions the idea of including a recipe on flyers alongside their business information, highlighting the potential for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in the kitchen.
  • Another participant suggests oreo truffles as a sweet treat that can be frozen and presented attractively at open houses.
  • One participant reflects on a past event where they collaborated with realtors for a holiday open house, noting the fun of the experience despite low sales.
  • Another participant discusses the idea of using a celebrate plate as a closing or housewarming gift, emphasizing its sentimental value.
  • One participant mentions their intention to reach out to realtors to promote their services through flyers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the necessity of obtaining permission from homeowners for food displays at open houses, with some participants believing it is not required while others raise the question.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and ideas related to food presentation in the context of real estate open houses, reflecting their individual approaches to networking and marketing their services.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for creative ideas to promote their services at realtor open houses may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.

Cindycooks
Silver Member
Messages
1,843
I need food suggestions! I am so psyched. My husband and I are both very involved with our chamber of commerce and we have spent all day helping set up for our business expo tomorrow. (I would have bought booth space myself but I have a directors meeting tomorrow). Anyway I wore my PC shirt and had my business cards in my pocket. I introduced myself to all the realtors setting up and a few approached me! They are very interested in my realtors packet (closing gift suggestions) and a few would like to use my services with setting out food at their open houses. All are back here in my neighborhood. I will just provide a little snack and they will let me have out my business cards or flyers on the kitchen counter.
Any suggestions on food? I would love to find something that I can make ahead and freeze in big ziplocs. I am thinking the new flatbread and the spreads. Easy and show off the SA. The flatbread could definitely be frozen. Any other suggestions? I am so excited! Tomorrow I get to go back after my meeting and network again! I just love my town!!!
 
wow, what a great idea.. our family friend is a realtor, and my mom and step dad are always buying houses.. I should get them into it
 
oh, and I have no suggestions.. just the thanks for the idea post..
 
For a sweet treat I would do the oreo truffle---you can freeze them, they look fabulous and they taste even better! GREAT idea!!!! I never thought of actually setting out food for an open house-- do you have to get owner's permission as well as the realtor?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Whatever I decide to make, I think I will have out a copy of the recipe on my fllyer with my info. MY hubby said I should buy the magnet strips for the back of my business cards - for the new homeowner to put on their fridge! I do not think I would have to get the owners permission - I will do really simple things and if it helps sell the house, all the better for them. (especially if I make something that makes the kitchen seem all warm and inviting!!)
Thanks for the Oreo Truffle idea - I made those at Christmas and they are wonderful. Right now I am really leaning towards those or the flatbread. Just make the spread the day of and serve it in a small bowl and the bread in a medium square. Simple and pretty! Here are my realtor flyers. I need to update the gift suggestions to include the new fall products. I really want to combine the "Cookbook for Two" with the 8"saute pan. And I think the new cheese board with the wine opener would be good too. Also the order form for the realtors. Keep the suggestions coming!
 

Attachments

Ha, I actually was just thinking of doing this too for my neighbor who is trying to sell her house. We actually talked about doing the new cheese board and wine (another neighbor does Traveling Vineyard) then we could both get some business out of it, and a really pretty display can't hurt the house selling either! I guess great minds think alike huh Cindy!!!

I like putting the cookbook out for display too--makes them visualize themselves making the food right there in that kitchen!

Let us know how it goes if you do it! I keep meaning to get off my duff and call some realtors--still haven't done it:(
 
I didn't see the celebrate plate on your list. This would be a great closing or house warming gift. The buyers could use the plate to celebrate all the special occasions in there new home. It would also be a heirloom item that can be passed down to their children when they grow up!
 
I know some realtors pretty well here in my town. Last year during planning my annual Xmas open house I do w/a Silpada lady & a Home Interiors lady, we got to thinking it would be neat to do it in a listed house with a realty company we all know. Well, it turned into a big event, thanks to the realtors! It was called "Holiday open house & shopping extravaganza". There were about 9 homes I think, with about 3 vendors per house. The one I was in was gorgeous;) It was fun & different...not much in sales actually, but I think that was because it was a crappy day with wind & COLD. Very worth trying though I think!
 
I am currently in the process of purchasing my first house, I think it's now time to take the opporunity to mail a flyer out to my real estate agent and her co workers and see if I get nibbles that way!!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of food are best for Realtor Open Houses?

For Realtor Open Houses, it's best to serve finger foods that are easy to eat and don't require utensils. Consider options like mini sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie boards, vegetable platters with dip, and bite-sized pastries. These items allow guests to mingle while enjoying a snack.

Should I prepare hot or cold food for an Open House?

Cold food is generally preferred for Open Houses because it can be prepared in advance and doesn't require heating or serving at a specific temperature. However, if you choose to serve hot food, consider items that can be kept warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish, such as meatballs or mini quiches.

How much food should I prepare for an Open House?

A good rule of thumb is to prepare enough food for about 50% of the expected guests. If you anticipate 20 visitors, plan for around 10 servings of each food item. This ensures that there is enough variety without overwhelming waste.

Are there any dietary restrictions I should consider when planning food?

Yes, it's important to consider common dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut allergies. Offering a variety of options, including at least one vegetarian and one gluten-free choice, can help accommodate different guests and make everyone feel welcome.

What beverages should I serve at an Open House?

For beverages, consider offering a mix of options such as water, coffee, tea, and a selection of soft drinks. If appropriate, you might also include a light alcoholic option, like wine or beer, but be sure to check local regulations regarding alcohol service at open houses.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

  • niccibyrd
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
2
Views
1K
ChefBeckyD
  • chefbritt
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
12
Views
2K
ChefBeckyD
  • robochick84
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
6
Views
2K
robochick84
  • cookingwithhart
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
7
Views
2K
linojackie
  • thehaleykitchen
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
7
Views
2K
Shell Northway
  • tvwalsh72
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
4
Views
2K
jbdowd0798
Replies
2
Views
2K
kellyk
  • ehall
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
6
Views
2K
pchefinski
  • passiontecooking.t
  • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
4
Views
3K
passiontecooking.t
  • PCCHeather0506
  • Recipes and Tips
Replies
2
Views
2K
pchockeymom
Back
Top