I am sure most of the Real Estate Agents have done "Open Houses". My question is: "Are Open Houses really a benefit to us?" Some have said yes, others, no.
I have held several Open Houses at different types of homes, large and small, rural and suburbs. I have personally found that most people that attend the Open Houses come for the following reasons:
- Neighbors curious about what the house looks like
- Curious drive-bys that are out for a Sunday drive with no interest in buying
- Buyers that will make ridiculous offers on the home during a buyer's market
- Buyers that aren't ready to buy until next year and are already have an agent
- Just something to do on a Sunday afternoon
It seems like you spend your Sunday afternoon waiting for these so-called buyers and the outcome being no buyers for the home and no leads. And I have only gotten maybe about half a dozen people attend each one and the Open Houses were well advertised. I could have spent this time more constructively. I'm the type of person that likes to use my time productively. I have found "Open Houses" as a waste of time. From the "Open Houses" I have done, I have only come away with 1 lead.
Others may disagree with me. Maybe they have been more successful at generating leads from the "Open Houses". Maybe they have had success in selling the home to one of the attendees.
I know this is a debatable topic. I would love to hear from others about their thoughts on "Open Houses". Are "Open Houses" a benefit, or not?" I would like to hear from the consumers as to whether or not they have bought a home they previewed at an "Open House" or gotten an agent at one.
Richard:
I'm not sure about doing Open Houses again. If a seller requests it, I will. I don't enjoy standing around being unproductive. Thanks for commenting!
Petra:
Have you actually gotten any leads from the curiosity seekers? But, if it works for you, GO FOR IT!
Wayne:
I have had many chats with neighbors, but many were the type that stay in their homes for 30 years. Even though I have my promotional stuff out for the taking, I never hear from the nosy neighbors. Even after contacting them persistently. Thanks for commenting.
I have never sold a house from an open house.... but here is why they may be valuable if you think outside the box and follow these rules I have learned.
Open houses generally do nothing to sell the house that is open. They are a good opportunity to meet people. If I were a new agent, or new to an area I would hold lots of open houses. If I didn't have any listings I would hold other agents houses open.
But, I rarely hold a public open house anymore.
Judy:
Thanks for your input. I'll keep those ideas in mind.
Marty:
Even though you may meet a lot of people, they don't necessarily turn into leads. Thanks for commenting.
Robert:
I agree. These days technology tends to play a big part in home searches. I have gotten more leads over the internet than open houses.
Chris:
It seems like during the week is a better idea. On weekends, you are competing with many, many other Open Houses. I'll have to consider that. Thanks.
Joseph:
In this area, it is difficult to have many attend your Open House, even though it is well publicized. There are so many Open Houses going on. I have spoken to agents that have had 1 show up, while others only had a handful. I guess it depends on the area you are located in, also.