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Open House Dulldrums

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams

I sat an open house today in Port Hueneme and lets just say I was bored stiff! I mean, I know its the hollidays and all, nobody's buying homes as much it seems. Retail sales are down as well. But I took the chance that  maybe by some freak chance that I would get alot of "looky'loo's" but that was an over reach! Not one person! Oh, I set up my signs, even had some freshly baked cookies to serve (thanks Deborah!), but it just wouldn't be today. So I packed up my signs, locked up and ate the cookies in silence as I pondered why on earth did I actually attempt an open house so close to Christmas? 

Do you have such experiences? This is my first Christmas as a REALTOR since retiring from the Navy in November.  So I have no previous experience from past holidays. I have heard that the market slows down around this time of year. But I figured open houses wouldn't be slow as well. But I suppose I have learned some kind of lesson!

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kenny Park
www.showinghouse.com - Duluth, GA

yes..Todd..you got great experience as well as the seller would appreciate your efforts to sell..

this means something that would hold and build strong relationship with the clients..

anyway..good luck !!

 

Dec 21, 2008 12:38 PM
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

Todd,

Been there, done that, no more plain 'ol open houses.

Gotta jazz it up.  Too late now, but if you had made it an event, partnered with a local charity and set up as a collection center and had the local radio do a PSA on it, got the local paper to do a Christmas angle on the event at the house? 

You've got to pull out all the stops in this market. 

 

Dec 21, 2008 12:41 PM
Maggie Baumbach
Search Homes for Sale in Maryland at HelpShop.com - Reisterstown, MD

Hi Todd, I was sitting at an empty open just last weekend when I discovered that I cannot post comments to AR from my iphone.  Too bad - that was my backup plan! But I still did get to read a lot of blog posts.  Hang in there, you are building a business and it will come together. Focus on positive and have a great holiday. Maggie

Dec 21, 2008 12:49 PM
Peter Testa
Kiwi Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

The snow we've had here in the northeast is a sure show stopper for open houses. Holidays haven;t been much of a problem although Christmas week is hectic for a lot of people.

Dec 21, 2008 12:54 PM
Ellie McIntire
Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate - Ellicott City, MD
Luxury service in Central Maryland

Don't be disheartened. Doing something is better than dfoing nothing at all!

Dec 21, 2008 01:01 PM
Todd Douglas
Keller Williams - Camarillo, CA
Realtor - Ventura County

Wow! Thank you so much everyone for the positive feedback!

Dec 21, 2008 01:03 PM