Open Houses don't sell homes - Do they?

Many people will tell you that Open Houses Don't sell homes and that Realtors do Open Houses to attract their own buyers. Well that is only partially true. A small percentage maybe 1 or 2% of homes are sold via Open Houses. I myself am one of those odd "1%" people. Before I was in the Real Estate Business I found and purchased two of my previous homes via Open Houses. Perhaps a sign that I was destine for this business.

Open Houses do - IN SOME Neighborhoods - help sell homes. In Washington DC, we have a few very popular, walkable neighborhoods. Places like Dupont and Logan Circle, Adams Morgan and Capitol Hill; are some of the busiest for Open House traffic.

Now of course; there are many folks who "just want to see inside" and several "nosy neighbors." Well I love the "nosy neighbor". Who else can better brag about their neighborhood to friends or co-workers who may be looking to buy.

Open Houses also give buyers with an agent a way to get a 'second look'. One of my open houses last weekend - there were 2 potential buyers whom had seen the property already; but wanted to bring a friend or relative. While their own agent was busy that day - they could "pop-in" with the friend to get a second look. NO appointment, no hassle.

While it is TRUE that Open Houses don't sell (most) homes. In challenging times - how can a Realtor NOT do at least a couple of Open Houses? We can't do 99% of the things required to sell a home - we need to do 150% of the things to sell a home. Some neighborhoods might not be ideal; but others can be key to driving traffic into your home. It is also an excellent way to get feedback about the listing.

I will ask potential buyers what they think of the home. These comments I can share with the sellers. Maybe the comments are; "It looks fantastic" or "It's over-priced" or something like "What is going on with those crazy wall colors?". All this feedback along with more and more buyers coming into the home - can and will help sell your home.

Contact James Downing of the Downing Real Estate Group, LLC; if you are selling, buying or have questions!

Office: 202-362-5800 Cell: 703.244.3971

Licensed in Washington DC, Virginia & Maryland.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chevy Chase
5028 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 100 * Washington DC 20016