Less and less Sellers these days expect to have an open house, because they are not always all that helpful in selling your home. I like to keep my open houses to a one hour time frame, if we do one at all. You may not get the perspective buyers you’re looking for. With an open house you are inviting potential buyers into your home.  But you may also be inviting nosy neighbors, or other less productive visitors.

I have found that people who come through open houses, (and notice I don”t call them buyers) are often not yet committed to buying a home.  People use open houses as a way to see what is out there and what to expect when looking at a home.  They view an open house as a way to not have to commit to buying a house, bc they are not scheduling an appointment, and don”t even have to share their identity.  Is this who you want in your home?  What you have is uncommitted, unqualified buyers looking at your house and your things, with no certain way to reconnect with them in the future.

I find that buyers take the step to reach out to a Realtor, which makes their commitment increase, then the Realtor connects them to a Lender who can qualify them for  a home.  Since a Realtor has a relationship, and they schedule a private showing, we know they are serious and we can reconnect with them each time something changes with the price or we offer additional incentives.  In 2008, we have a new more innovative solution to the Open House, it is the Virtual Tour!  I have had tremendous success relying on an internet listing, with a virtual tour than a slew of open houses. According to the National Association of Realtors, by 2006 77% of buyers use the internet to shop for a new home. (This is up from just 2% in 1995.)

Think of your listing on my website as an online open house! Anytime of the day or night 24/7. Potential buyers can visit any time of day and see your house at its best through dozens of photos.  And those people who would come to the open house can view the photos on line until they commit to buying and get a private tour from their Realtor.

There are some safety issues to consider when planning for an open house. You will want to plan appropriate storage for valuables. Be assured, however, that if and when we plan an open house for your listing, we will go over any of your concerns. I will always be present at your open house to greet visitors, but you are letting the public into your home and into your bedroom. I find it safer for everyone when they schedule an appointment with a Realtor, who has verified their identity and ability to afford your home.

Here are some stats for the National Association of Realtors from 2006.

Having an open house is a good opportunity to hear feedback about what potential buyers do and don’t like about your home, and in today’s market it can be helpful to use a variety of tactics.

Other Posts

• January 22, 2011 -- Announcing Amy’s Newest “Client”!
• January 28, 2007 -- Perils of Overpricing Your Home
• February 3, 2009 -- Do I need a Lawyer if I build New Construction?
• March 25, 2008 -- State of Real Estate: The Good and the Bad, Honestly