Do you hold open houses?

Steve

I've read that 99% of homes listed by agents are sold through other agents, leaving a measly 1% for other sources (including open houses) and proving that the MLS is our primary tool for selling homes.

Do you hold open houses? If not, how do you deal with a seller expectation to have at least one?

CalgaryRealtor

I only do open houses on the most extraordinary listings as they actually have potential to sell at an open house if they are unique enough. I always make the best of an open house and my time when I am doing them by making sure I give the open a ton of exposure to ensure that I am kept busy while I am there.

For those less than unique listings that I know will not benefit from having open houses I am just honest with the sellers in letting them know that in today's technology world the homes are so well presented with pictures and videos that having them open really is not necessary. Qualified and serious buyers will be working with agents and would not miss out on our property because it is marketed properly and presented well for potential interest. An open house just leaves their house opent o strangers and neighbours that are nosey. I find these days that sellers do not really want unqualified strangers in their homes anymore.

Steve

"I find these days that sellers do not really want unqualified strangers in their homes anymore."

I think that's the biggest thing that hits home for most of my clients, but I still have a few here and there that are stuck in the old days of an open house every Sunday. It all boils down to making sure you set the expectation from the get-go of what your marketing strategy will be.

I'm going to exclude open houses (unless like you say - in extreme cases where the home NEEDS to be held open to spur up interest). Hard to think of an example, but I'm sure I'll know it when I see it.

Steve

One aspect of open houses that I wasn't really considering was holding them open as a new agent looking to spur up business. In that case, I think that it's a great way to get your foot in the door with people in the area - as long as you follow up appropriately.

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