Open Houses on Major Holidays

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Velocity Developments & Real Estate Bro-15120

Hello all! 

I was just curious if anyone had any feed back on holding open houses on major holidays such as Easter.  A couple of my clients have suggested that they would like to have their homes held open due to the holiday weekend.  I can see this as a double edged sword, and am curious what everyones thoughts are on the subject.

My questions are:

  • Do open house shoppers think that it is disrespectful to advertise and hold and open house on a holiday?
  • Has anyone seen a great response in regards to holiday open houses?
  • Do anyone plan on holding their homes open this coming weekend?  If so, why?

Thank you very much for your time.   Jodi

Comments (11)

Ben Kakimoto
Keller Williams Greater Seattle - Seattle, WA
Seattle Condo Specialist
I wouldn't hold an open house during on a holiday; I just don't think it'll garner much traffic.  But, then, I never have, so I really can't say.  Though, when I was house shopping before I became an agent, I did spend a New Years Eve driving around looking at homes.  I think our time would be better spent with our friends and family.
Apr 01, 2007 11:46 AM
Gloria and Jason Belmonte
Prudential Fox&Roach The Belmonte Group - Rising Sun, MD
www.cecilcountyhomesearch.com
I think a few holidays might work, like New Years, Memorial weeken, etc. but not the biggies in my opinion, like Christmas and Easter..
Apr 01, 2007 11:48 AM
Suzanne Sands
Pavao Real Estate - Somerset, MA
Somerset MA Real Estate

I never tried open house's on holiday weekends.I have taken advantage of holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day for prospecting new listings and have had great results!

Apr 01, 2007 12:00 PM
Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC - Hilton Head Island, SC
Certainly it may depend on your local custom but personally, I wouldn't do an open house on a holiday like Easter.  I would consider it for a less serious or sacred holiday, though
Apr 01, 2007 12:03 PM
Rich Kruse
Gryphon USA, Ltd. - Columbus, OH
I assume they are wanting a Saturday open?  Seems like a waste of time to do this on Easter Sunday as well as a possbily very unreasonable demand on the agent.
Apr 01, 2007 12:13 PM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County
The Saturday before Easter seems reasonable if you are available and willing. Myself, I would do the Saturday. Easter, no.
Apr 01, 2007 12:48 PM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon
Bring lots of books. Because that will be your only company!
Apr 01, 2007 06:31 PM
Bruce Ching
Brio Realty - Woodinville, WA
I once had an open house on Superbowl weekend.  You don't get very much traffic, but the ones that come by are more serious.  Obviously there are more females coming thru than males.  Good luck, it's like the lottery, if you don't play, you cann't win.
May 06, 2007 05:58 AM
Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375
Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI
Real Estate Services You can Trust!
Holidays have been researched for open houses.  You may still be able to find the archieve on the NAR website.  The holidays usually have minimal traffic except for people with nothing else to do.  The week before the holiday is usually good and the week after is also slow with everyone getting back to their routines.  You have better choices for your advertising dollars.  Hope this helps. Great quesiton to save you money, time and effort.
Jun 09, 2007 01:01 PM
Ken Cook
Content, coding, marketing, host. - Marietta, GA
Content Marketer/Creator
Some time has gone by since this posting, what are your thoughts now?
Oct 22, 2007 06:26 PM
Anonymous
Anonymous

Thank you so much for all of you comments and assistance.

I have chosen to sit many a holiday this year including Mothers Day and Fathers Day with great success. I believe as a whole that Gary's comments have seemed to be quite accurate.  Last weekend (non-holiday) I had over 26 sets of home shoppers in to my open house in what is supposed to be a slow market.  I'm now SOLD on Open Houses.    Thanks Again!   Jodi

Oct 23, 2007 01:39 PM
#11