To Open House...Or Not To Open House. That Is The Question.

Type "open house" in the Search field here on AR and you will find numerous post about open houses.

Hi Frances,

I also think open houses are worth the time spent although I have not been in the business as long as you.  I keep signs in my trunk so that as I see an open spot in my schedule I can immediately go open something up.  I try to keep relevant comps with me also to provide to guests.  Many have no/few attendees but overall I still feel they can be an important part of my marketing.

Hi Frances,

Good topic. I have 4 Listings right now and all my sellers want open houses. I had to have a talk with them to help them realize that open houses don't really sell houses but agents with buyers do.. so brokers tours are better.  I know they still feel like if they don't have an open house on a Sunday I am somehow not doing my job.So... I have had to pay Realtors to hold open my listings!! (and they get all the leads!)

I find the best thing to do when holding a House open is to kwo the area VERY well. Spend the week looking at all the listings in the neighborhood. This way you can talk to people about what is out there. Offer to meet them after the open to take them to this one house that you saw the other day that you think will be perfect for them. Describe the House to them and get them interested in it. If the House you are holding open is truly one of the best ones you will know because you have seen them all and you will be able to confidently speak about it.

Though some say they are passe, I have gotten some great client's in the past, but have noticed as of late with the market being in the tank my open houses have been not of great success.  Although I plan on doing one this weekend and hope that this will lend traffic and hopefully a potential buyer for this wonderful listing.  Great Blog!

Welcome to ActiveRain, and congratulations on your first blog.

As to "Open House", I feel you put yourself and your property owners at risk, inviting random strangers into their home.  If you read the posts about agent safety, you may learn about agents that have been raped and murdered and homes that have been "cased" for future break-ins, and homes that have actually been robbed during the open house of everything from prescription drugs to valuables (cameras) and other things.

Good for you!  all I've ever gotten was nosy neighbors!  I thought open house were a thing of the past  .... thats what they say in our local papers, etc

Sellers usually want open houses. I don't like to do them for various reasons, including safety issues. What I like is broker open houses. It gets the word out and it allows the brokers in your area to see the house first hand. It's also great for feedback and for networking with other brokers. I like for brokers to fill out a form where they can comment on various aspects of the property and its marketing. This is particularly helpful when you have some problem, let's say pet odor, or another problem, and at the same time you have sensitive sellers, this way you can use the forms filled out by other brokers to help you deal with problems that need to be solved to market the home properly. But remember, if you want other brokers to show up you better have food and drinks available!

Rosetta...pay agents to do an open... what a crock. You are in the same business and the same agency.... you are a group of professionals working together. I scratch your back and you scratch mine... That is an atmosphere in an agency I would not tolerate! If they don't want to do it and get the exposure and leads that is one thing... in my opinion that type of attitude highlights what the public sees as wrong in our business.

 

Whew..feel better now ;)