The Truth About Open Houses

Open Houses have long been a debated issue among Realtors, Sellers, and the Real Estate Curious. What’s the truth about open houses in this new Virtual World we find ourselves living in? (Spoiler alert: open houses work!)  There are four common arguments against open houses: 1. They only benefit the realtor and won’t sell your home. 2. Noisy, intrusive, and nonpurchasing neighbors. 3. Security Issues. and 4. It’s an old fashion and dated selling tactic. Here’s why none of these arguments is a good reason to avoid open houses.

The thinking runs that the realtor only utilizes the open house to promote themselves. The people that the realtor meets at open houses are only quality contacts…for the realtor.  They are actively looking to purchase and if they have no representation the realtor has made a great connection. Even if this is true, so what? Buyers are attending the open house because their realtor sent them, or they’re a neighbor, or they saw the home online.  You never know who will want to purchase your home. The agent is there working hard and building relationships. The truth is open houses help to sell the home. Buyers go out into the community and talk about the open homes they visited. The home is getting exposed.

Open house naysayers always mention “looky-loos” – nonbuyers who come snooping through your home.  They have no interest in a purchase, but rather are your intrusive neighbors poking through your closets.  Bring on the “looky-loos!” Neighbors are wonderful. They already live in the neighborhood and love the area. They also have a vested interest in seeing your home sell for as much as possible. They are your cheerleaders for your home. The more people that attend the open house the better. Activity begets activity. An exciting and infectious buzz is created.

There is a legitimate question regarding security. Are thieves masquerading as buyers? Rarely, but sometimes. With proper precautions, risks are greatly reduced. Put away your valuables, don’t leave personal information around, and hide all prescription drugs. If you have a large home insists two agents are there.

Finally, some think that open houses are out of touch and old fashion. Today’s buyer has done their internet research and knows the home before he visits it.  As many clicks as your home may generate online, no one is going to purchase a home they’ve never visited. Open houses are deeply rooted in real estate culture for a reason. Buyers need to see, feel, smell, and touch the home.

We live in brick-and-mortar homes, not in the “Cloud!”

The guest author for this post is Marsha Gray of Keller Williams in Santa Barbara