Open Houses on the Outer Banks - To Do or Not to Do?
I will hold Open Houses - and I do them on a case by case basis. An agent should not refuse an open house to a client that is requesting that they do it - especially if the agent states in their marketing plan that they will do an open house. On the other hand; I've had several clients that did not want their home held open - they felt that the serious buyers would already have a "Buyer's Agent" that would show the home to them if it fit their needs. Having random people just walk into an open home where they don't know any details about it or even the listing price - is really not in the best interest of the seller. Especially in large cities where the open house could be used by a thief to case out your home. Quite honestly, an Open House serves the Realtor more than the seller - it's a great way to generate leads, meet new people, and market the agents name to new potential clients. In the remote chance that the walk-in wants to actually make an offer on the home - then that's just a huge bonus. Home Seller's need to understand this and keep their expectations in check.
As an aside; Open Houses tend to work best in new home communities were buyers come to that community because they are familiar with it and with the home prices in that community. Having worked many years in model homes it was quite often where a buyer would walk in to the model - and make an offer on that home - that day.
Bottom line - If I say I will do an open house and you ask me to do it - I will definitely do it. Every market and community is different - so the results will be different. I prefer having open houses for listings that are very visible and in high traffic areas.
Bottom line - If I say I will do an open house and you ask me to do it - I will definitely do it. Every market and community is different - so the results will be different. I like having open houses for listings that are very visible and in high traffic areas - I will expect to meet some new people and have a successful day.