I have been a practicing realtor for a very long time. I have seen varying types of markets: Seller markets, buyer markets, crazy markets...well, you get the idea!

I view open houses as 'soft marketing' and marketing that does not get immediate 'in your face' results....in other words, an open house today, a contract tomorrow. What it DOES achieve is:

Visability for your home to your neighbors, friends and family. If your realtor really works really hard, they can even affect the buying public. Facebook, twitter, email and fax blast, open house sign twirlers and door hanger ads can all be utilized to bring in the buying public.

Many realtors say it is a waste of time. I seriously doubt agents are TOO busy to give 3 hours of their time to the possibility of exposing their listings to the market. As a marketing professional during my pre-real estate life, I can say you have to leave no stone unturned when it comes to advertising. More is more and less is lazy!

My good advice to sellers is:

1. Choose an agent based on their ability to give you the most/best advertising money and time can buy.

2. Remember that selling your home is a team effort between you and your agent. A well staged and clean home is a pleasure to open and show on Sunday afternoons!

3.Open Houses are 'part of the advertising package' and if an agent says it doesn't work, go find an agent who is 'willing to try' to the best of their abilities.

 

 

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5 Comments on Do Open Houses Really Work?

AUG
29
2010
1,444,038 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

The value of open houses depends much on the specific neighborhood and the type of home. If nobody shows at a scheduled open house, that is a pretty good indicator that other types of marketing may be more appropriate.

In some areas, it is not safe to hold open houses in homes that are vacant. Occupied properties are targeted for theft by those posing as prospective buyers.

 Blooming for home buyers in Maryland.
12:25pm • #1
142,363 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I stopped doing them years ago. They tend to be an ineffective use of my time. But I understand they work in some markets. I support those who do them; I'm just thankful my Sundays are "me" time now.
12:26pm • #2
207,833 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Donna:  There are lots of ceative things an agent can do during an open house that can be productive.  BUT that will require careful planning ... many of the open homes I've gone to seem "thrown together" - sort of a last moment thing.  Now if anything good is going to happen, it depends on timing and fate. 
12:30pm • #3
102,471 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Thanks Jack! I just piggy backed a second post talking about just that!
12:34pm • #4
102,471 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Roy:  Good point! I would hope that good common sense always prevails. However, I also know that 'bad things' happen in 'good neighborhoods' and I try to be proactive in preventing those types of things. Thanks for your comment.
12:37pm • #5


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Donna Bosze

Chesapeake, VA

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Address: 316 Office Square Lane, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462

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