subject: Open House Promotion [print this page] An open house can certainly help you find a buyer for your house, but there are other important factors that you should also think about. Most real estate agents do not use an open house as a main tool in their marketing program. In fact, open houses are generally thought of as simply a waste of time today. Agents feel that having an open house is more like fishing for prospective clients and not potential buyers.
And yet, a number of homeowners and real estate agents continue the traditional practice of open houses, still firm in the belief that it will lure even a few prospective clients. On average, studies have shown that an open house can take between sixty-five to seventy-five hours before a deal is closed. That's a lot of time and effort, but people still hold open houses for other sound reasons.
Agents you employ to sell your house may not consider an open house important because they may not regard selling your house as a top priority. They also have other listings on their mind and sometimes they do not even show your property to a specific client just because the agent thinks it is not appropriate for that certain buyer. Buyers have also been know to change their minds, and most of the time they do it without telling the agent. Some people prefer to buy a home without the assistance of a real estate agent, and these people often like to go to open houses. If the house is only listed in an ad, many prospective buyers will not come to view the house if it doesn't sound like it's exactly what they want, An open house is different though. Open houses are generally seen as no strings attached opportunity to view the inside of a property so people will usually have a look inside.
Homeowners wonder if the cost of staging their house is worth the money and the effort for an open house. And it's typical for sellers to gripe about their real estate agents, complaining that the agents are using the open house as a vehicle for bringing in new clients, not prospective buyers for the house itself. Sellers also have the very legitimate concern for the safety of their home and possessions during an open house event. They worry that their house might be vandalized or some items from their house might get stolen during an open house. Some homeowners do not want anyone to enter their house, period. There are private individuals who would only open their house to really interested buyers in order to discourage nosy neighbors and thieves. Depending on what your preference is, there are times that not having an open house is an easier choice for both the seller and the agent.
Here is some important advice that will help you to make a decision: If houses are selling quickly and the market is hot, you don't need an open house. Likewise, if an Internet posting listing your house is already working to attract prospective buyers, you don't need an open house either.
