Open Houses?

Though they don't seem productive, it is what you make out of it.  I actually had the pleasure to write two contracts on my listing four weeks ago, yeah!!!

I find there is less traffic at open houses than during the GOOD Market.  Unless you want to meet neighbors (future listings) or meet buyers (future sales) which are GREAT reasons to hold opens, otherwise they STILL do nothing to help the sale of the particular house you are holding open.

I find that even though you tell your Sellers that open houses don't sell that particular house, it makes them feel that you are doing everything possible to sell their property.  I'm not crazy about doing open houses, but I like to keep my Sellers happy.  And, sometimes, you even get a new client.  I work in a 2nd home market, and there are times when not one person will attend your open house.  Other times, the traffic is great.  There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason.

Yes, you do need open houses. First, it makes the sellers happy. We all know it usually doesn't sell the house. Next, we do it to get leads. It is a buyers market, therefore, we want buyers. At least I do.

I personally have not had very good luck attracting clients at open houses. Other agents in my office have. One of my last listings though sold to someone who came to the open house and brought her mom back later that day who put an offer in on it and closed on it soon after that

As a buyer's agent I love open houses, I do not list homes so I have to rely on friends to let me sit their listings and I honestly look forward to them.  The traffic is not what is once was but I look forward to each new face coming in the door.

As a new agent last year, I did open houses every weekend.  I met a great deal of people in doing so. I have done a little less since the market has slowed, I did notice that there are not as many people around this year.  I don't have any listings myself but I do sit others to get contacts.  I think open houses are worth it.