Mimosa's Anyone...

Jenny, I haven't done an open house in years, but I have a question. Isn't serving alcohol putting you and your sellers in jeopardy?

We have progressive open houses and food with gift cards.  Most of the time 12 -15 folks show up.  The feedback can be very helpful in talking with the seller.  I did a poll however, and rarely is a home sold because someone came to an open house -- broker or public.

Mimosa sounds like fun!   Here it's been so hot we are going to offer bottled water and Gatoraid to home viewers!!!  

Hi Jenny  -- while food, drink, lotto tickets, cash, trips, massages, gift cards(all things I have seen as incentives at broker caravans) I believe, as Morgan Evans commented in #5 -- a desirable, well-priced, well-located and well-presented property is still your best bet at getting an offer.  I truly believe that many of the agents attending these "parties" are there only for the goodies -- many may not have even written an offer in the last year let alone have a buyer for that particular property.   

Jenny...

Open house are not as prominent here because for whatever reason, they are not part of our buyer culture.

If you have agents that are not doing much business you are risking big liability with the Mimosa

Jenny, I will preview for mimosas any time!  Too bad you're in Colorado!

Jenny-Even though times have changed, open houses still may be important in helping someone get the "feel" of a home.  Even the best photographs can only do so much.

Hi Jenny,

I miss attending opening houses as well, but we never know, as trends change like fashion.

Fashion trends start by being new, old, then suddenly new again :)

Let’s see if that will hold truth in Real Estate.

Have a fabulous week

Jenny, the properties on our Realtor tours have few visitors, as well.

Jenny, I never feel right going to broker opens or open houses that offer food and such if I don't have a buyer who is even slightly interested. I don't like taking advantage of the free stuff. If it sells the home, then go for it. 

I feel that no amount of pictures or tour will take the place of previewing a property.  That's why I block out noon-2:00pm every Wednesday to attend Brokers Opens.  It's time invested in expanding my knowledge base.

I do miss those days as well.  Loved the developer evening cocktail parties too.  I do believe people feel they can see the entire thing through the pics on their MLS and not have to leave the office, house etc.  It's really not the same.  it also limits your association with others in your profession.  Sign of the times.

Jenny, house tours have always been a way to stay on top of the market and preview the homes for sale. Unfortunately, the homes to preview always seem to be the ones with the best menu. Good luck with your open house.

I respect the Internet and I know it is here to stay...However, some things remain best when personalized. Open houses are just that. Face to face will never go out of style. We need to smell, touch, hear and feel and not just SEE things

Mimosas will attract anyone. . you may need to put the word out where Realtors hang around.. .Facebook!

Jenny, I rarely attend a Broker's Open. Primarily because I preview a lot of homes. I know my niche market very well. I have held Broker's Opens with low attendence. I don't do it anymore. There are better ways to spend my $100.

I agree I think open house can be very beneficial in helping creating a "buzz." Serving  Mimosa's I'll be right over. 

Good luck!

Agreed that Open Houses are still effective.  I always tell my sellers that I will most likely NOT sell their house at an Open House, but that it gets advertised to agents, online, newspapers, etc. :)