I think that open houses are very local and seasonal. As a general rule, I do not believe that open houses sell houses, however, I do believe that a well advertised open house can generate calls and interest in a home. With all of the options available to buyers today, driving around in 90 degree weather looking at houses is just not at the top of anyone's list. Most buyers preview the available homes on the internet, followed by a drive through the neighborhood before they determine if they are going to see it at the open house or call a buyer's agent to make a private appointment.
The activity that can be attributed to open house traffic is not necessarily the physical amount of people that show up during that 2 hour window. The extra notice and advertising that a property receives in the newspaper, online on Realtor.com or the company website, the TV show that showcases open houses and the invitations that are sent to the most likely buyer pool are all going to drive more interest in your home. You should have at minimum one open house each month with the first one being in the first couple of weeks. Done correctly, you should not need to have more than one if the marketing is strong to the agents that represent the buyers.
Open houses and the preparation that goes into an open house, prepares the seller for what is expected whenever there is a potential buyer that might see their home for the first time. First impressions count and I think that the anticipation of the first open house brings out the neighbors too. After all, your neighbors are sometimes your best source of finding a new owner for your home. I take time to invite the neighbors to their own private open house before there is even a sign in the yard. Your friends and neighbors are naturally curious about your home and what you have done with it! If you invite them in, they will then not clog up your first open house for the potential buyers that see the advertising.
Call me for your free home consultation and I will show you my strategic marketing plan to get your home on the market right away and capture those summer buyers before the school year starts again! Tell me that you read this blog, and you will receive a free incentive if you decide to list your home! Call for more details, 319-521-0701!
Keep smiling,
Karen