Maybe someone can explain to me why an HOA would set rules that makes it nearly impossible to hold open houses... or more accurately, impossible to get traffic to the open.
For a little background: I have a listing in an upscale area just outside the metro-Phoenix area that is competing with the North Scottsdale, Arizona address. Much of the home marketing going on in this area will mention how close in proximity it is... now enter the mindset for exclusive living: multi-million dollar second homes - all customs - in a guard-gated country club community. Golf course living and if you don't want a view of the course, 98% of the other homes have a fabulous view of the east Valley. There are even lots that are still available to have your own custom home built. You get the point.
The community's HOA has a set of open house rules that practically block anyone from seeing the homes - some of which are over a mile away from the guard gate through the winding mountain roads. It goes something like this:
1. Agent MUST publish the intended open house in the newspaper.
2. Agent will provide guards at gate with copy of open house flyer, map to property and owners' and agent's contact information.
3. The potential buyer MUST have the ad and ask specifically to see that listing to be able to view it.
4. Guard at gate will phone the agent, to meet the party at the gate.
5. Agent will escort the open house guest to their listing taking responsibility for their whereabouts at all times.
By the way, open house signs are only allowed INSIDE the community... No signage allowed at the entrance.
In an attempt to enable SOME traffic, many of the agents have teamed up to pool resources and run a couple of tours through the community.
Here are my questions:
1. Is there a reason that an HOA would want to make it difficult to sell property in the community?
2. How can I encourage someone who is considering a visit to my open house not to be put-off by the controlling/ stifling nature of the rules.
3. If I get a group to visit, what happens when the guard gate calls me while they are touring to tell me I have a second group on-deck? Will that group wait? It's my experience that wealthy people don't appreciate waiting. Will another agent get them before I do? Which means, I may have to have a second agent assisting me because I will fail the owner by leaving group one in their home alone while I go get group 2.
UGH! Help! Is anyone else experiencing this? What are you doing to manage it?
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