I have mixed feelings on open houses. I always thought an open house was to bring you a potential buyer or client! I am finding that does happen, but not necessarily for that open house! Most open houses attract curious drive buyers, or inquistive neighbors, do they ever result in a sale? I think they can and do, if you turn the visit into a positive. I believe in open houses, I think they give you an opportunity to meet the "neighbors" - they learn about you as a person, who knows, they may like how your promoting the seller, and in turn offer a referral or their own sale. I have met more and more people doing open houses, both long term clients and even new friends.
Do you serve refreshments? Being Italian, my mother always said, "manga, manga" - serving something whether just coffee and muffins, creates a casual informal atmosphere inviting the visitor to "stay a spell" and chat! I find I can learn so much from those visitors, about the neighbors, the area, and most of all the house!!! When I get a listing, I get a friend, family members, and a quest to sell. I want to learn as much as I can about that home as I can, open houses provide me with that insight!
My thoughts are, common sense says it's smart to expose your home to the largest number of buyers, and getting buyers inside to preview a home is a huge hurdle to jump. It's like keeping the house for sale a secret and saying, "Sshh, let's not tell anybody about this house or invite them over to see it because it just might sell!"
What is your take on open houses? worth it or a waste of time?? Do your clients ask for them?
Thanks,
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