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How Do You Feel About Open Houses?

Tonight, I had the pleasure of going on a listing appointment to a very nice development that is located on the ocean in my area. The homeowner was an older woman, getting ready for retirement in July. She has a house in the Hamptons that she will be moving to and has already started bringing some of her belongings out to her other house. We spoke about listing her house and of course the services that I could offer her and when we spoke of an open house she was adamant about not wanting one. I have had some luck selling at open houses, but I think on a whole a lot of times it ends up with just browsers or newsy neighbors? Any feedback from my peers on how you feel about open houses? Thanks

Posted by Gaye Granice, Associate Broker on 01/28/2008 08:49 PM

Comments (13)

open houses, feedback moving

13 Comments on How Do You Feel About Open Houses?

Love hate........you never know. it only costs your time!

01/28/2008 08:52 PM

by Katie Evans (RE/MAX Preferred Realty)

Open houses sell homes but if your owner doesn't want one, then you should find out exactly why and see if you can overcome her objections.......

01/28/2008 08:53 PM

by Julie Chapman Realty Homes Brunswick Georgia

Hey Gaye,

I am with you open houses rarely sell the home but they are great ways to meet the neighbors and pick up leads, I don't miss a chance to do open houses in my farm areas.

Take care!

RJH

01/28/2008 08:54 PM

by Empire Realty

planned well they work great! 11 years it worked for me.

01/28/2008 08:59 PM

by Matt Ratcliffe, REALTOR (Keller Williams Realty Brazos Valley)

Gaye: When you get someone who asks you not to hold an open, you should ask them if you can A. Give them a hug B. Clone them!

Question A: You have twenty listings, how many opens can you hold per month? Question B: You hold opens every Sunday, how many opens can you hold until your spouse wants to throttle you!

01/28/2008 09:04 PM

by Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR (Remax Real Estate Concepts)

If she doesn't want, that's fine! Less work for you.

01/28/2008 09:15 PM

by Jonathan Hall (William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty)

I think there are a small percentage of people that actually buy the house when they go to the open house. It's more less exposure for the agent. You are right about nosy neighbors :)

01/28/2008 09:15 PM

by Baton Rouge & Denham Springs Relocation Lindsay Pendleton, e-PRO, REW, AHWD (Prime Properties)

They work. As everything else you have to work them and market them properly.

01/28/2008 09:21 PM

by Sonja Babic/Prudential Clear Water Realty New Bern NC

They work for me! I sit open homes every weekend. And, I also have luck selling the actual home I was sitting in. One way you may want to explain to your seller is this. There are so many homes on the market and your home would benefit from having potential clients see the inside of your home. Also, if her home on the outside looks similar to other homes. Tell her that it would be an "edge" for her to allow potential buyers to see the interior of the home. And, it will start the "buzz" about her home and she may get a sale. I also always invite the neighbors. Why? Because people love to live close to their friends. There maybe a neighbor who knows of someone who may want to live near her frient. Open homes are great to create that buzz!

01/28/2008 09:27 PM

by Jill Clark (RE/MAX Professionals Select)

We know they work, but if the seller says "no," we respect that.

01/28/2008 09:39 PM

by Karen Webster...Grand Rapids, MI Realtor (5 Star Real Estate, Grand Rapids MI)

I know there are many Open Houses here on Long Island, one of the realtors I work with has had several sales from them.

01/28/2008 09:49 PM

by Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City)

I personally think open houses are a waste of time. I would rather do private viewings and if I have a homeowner who want one, then I try to get a less experienced agent do them.

01/29/2008 06:33 PM

by American Homes

Frank, We're on the same page. Gaye

01/29/2008 09:15 PM

by Gaye Granice, Associate Broker (Appleseed Homes GMAC Realty)

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