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4 Myths about Open Houses...they're not just for Nosy Neighbors!

Reblogger
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com 71785

Here's a point of view!

Original content by Marcie Sandalow

4 Myths about Open Houses...they're not just for Nosy Neighbors!

There are a lot of agents out there who don't like open houses.  Some sellers aren't too crazy about them either.  I'm a big fan, and here's why:

  1. They're just for nosy neighbors, and I really don't want them looking at my house...  Hey, even nosy neighbors have friends.  And nosy neighbors like their friends to live in their neighborhood.  Letting them take a peek at your fabulous house might be the best bit of free advertising you can imagine.  I can't tell you how many people show up at my open houses announcing that they are friends with Neighbor X who suggested that they see the place. nosy neighbor
  2. If someone really wants to see my house, their agent can bring them... A lot of agents are already working on Sundays, holding their own listings open.  They can't be in two places at once.  An open house provides easy access to their buyers.  Would you rather have 20 people look at your house during an open house, or have 20 separate agents call you to schedule a viewing at 20 different times.  Most people don't like to stick around when people look at their house.  Do you want to scram 20 times? Ugh. Furthermore, a lot of house hunters haven't yet selected an agent.  They might not call the agent on the yard sign.  An open house is often the only way to get these potential buyers into the property.
  3. I don't like having all of my stuff on display.  What if something gets taken?  I can't promise that it won't happen.  However, not one agent in my office of 70+ agents has ever reported a theft at an open house.  And I've been selling houses for over 10 years with the same firm.  That's no excuse for tempting fate.  Hide away your jewelery and valuables.  Put away your family photos (or severely cut back on the number you display).  
  4. Only the agent benefits from the open house- it's a good way for them to meet buyers.  I won't lie to you.  Holding an open house is a great way to meet buyers who aren't working with an agent.  It's also a wonderful way to get specific buyer feedback about your home.  Additionally, I can answer questions about the house that might not be covered in the brochure (Where's the local park?  How far is Metro?  How long have the sellers lived in the house?).  Most importantly of all... I get a feel for how things are going.  Is the price right?  Is the extra couch in the family room crowding things?  Is the lighting in the bedroom too dim?  Does my Spidey sense tell me that we'll be getting an offer on Monday?  Let's hope so!

As a listing agent, my loyalty is to my seller and my job is to attract and expose the property to ready, willing and able buyers.  Open Houses are a great part of my marketing mix.

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Comments (2)

Frank Castaldini
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in San Francisco

Open houses are essential in San Francisco.  Buyers are running around on Saturdays and Sundays looking to find the house to live in and when they do they write offers.  Yes open houses get houses sold and certainly they are good for agents looking to pick up other business.  It's a win win.

Mar 17, 2010 12:07 PM
Donna Galinsky
Allen Tate Company - Cornelius, NC
Make Lake Norman Your Home!

In the last 6 monthst I have sold 2 of my listings to buyers who first saw it during my Open Houses.

2 weeks ago I listed an expired listing in a town I do a lot of business in, even thought the seller was not thrilled about open Houses we did one this past weekend. Got an offer on it today.

Yes they are hit or miss, but to me it is a way of farming a neighborhood for 90 minutes.

Mar 17, 2010 01:13 PM