Real Estate Blog - Multi-Purpose Society Open House

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Multi-Purpose Society Open House

Chandelier

Talk about thinking outside the box! A recent New York Yimes article in the Home and Garden section described the open house that was held in the home of the late William F Buckley, Jr. and his wife Pat.

The event was held in two sessions for two different groups for several different purposes. The timed showings were structured to give the event focus-to showcase the property and its contents which are for sale, provide a memorial gathering of sorts for the deceased owners and to provide a venue for a preview party for the International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show.

I know that many Realtors feel that holding open houses are a waste of time or at least, a less than effective way to market a property. Is this multipurpose open house the key to more productive marketing, particularly for higher end listings?

To read more about this event and see photos click here Crystal wine decanter

Pastry cart in mahogany and silver

Mahogany and silver pastry cart from GlobeEquipment.com.

Posted by Pam Faulkner-Faulkner House Redesign Stager-Northern VA-Fairfax & Loudoun Co on 06/29/2008 05:21 PM

Comments (9)

open houses, marketing, high end listings, realtors

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9 Comments on Multi-Purpose Society Open House

JUN

2008

Pam, anything that gets people IN a house is GOOD. So I vote a multipurpose showing is a terrific idea. It increases the traffic levels. I was sad to see the passing of William F. Buckley. He was a conservative's conservative and such intelligence. He was a character too.

JUN

2008

A great idea to get more people through the door and you know that they have friends that they will talk with about the open house. Get enough people through the door and a buyer will emerge.

Al and Jodee, word of mouth is some of the best advertising you can get. Whatever you can do to create a favorable impression -especially in groups that network-can help sell the home. Good to hear from some fellow Virginians!

I agree with Gary, anything that gets them in the door is a good thing. A local realtor in my area hosted a block party complete with live music....great idea if the neighbors don't complain.

Judy, that was a brave Realtor. Can't you just see something like that getting out of hand? I think that was an interesting idea-do you know if it was succesful as far as generating offers or at lease getting some good buzz about the house?

Thnks for commenting!

It was all the talk in the real estate offices, but I don't believe it got her anywhere (except held in awe by the rest of us.)

JUL

2008

Judy, I guess in any case it generalted buzz for her, and maybe by extension it indicated that she was very motivated to sell the home. That should have pleased her homeowners. Who knows if hearing about the event might intrigue people enough to want to see the house that inspired it? You never know, do you? Sometimes quickly things are the key in this market.

JUL

2008

Pam,

Thanks for sharing this story with us. I agree this was definitely thinking outside the box! Pretty creative. Although, not everyone would have enjoyed it, some would think it was distasteful. However, sometimes when you have limited time and need to do something creative to sell a home especially from such a character as William Buckley I'm sure they had to do something different. You just never know what people will do to sell a house, right?

Have a Colorful Day!

JUL

2008

Irene, the article made it sound like the open house met with mixed reviews and seemed a little unfocused. It seemed a little ambitious and maybe ambiguous.

Using an open house to help raise funds for a charitable event could help to sell a high-end property by bringing in curious "window shoppers". One just might fall in love with the house or the buzz from the even might create more interest and traffic. It would depend on how it was structured, presented, and of course, the guest list. Lots of "ifs" but if done right it could help move a home that might otherwise get lost in a sea of similar luxury homes.

You're right, you just never know!

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