Open House Today

Last week, a former co-worker agent with whom I worked while at another company called me to see if I wanted to have a "group open house" in a sub where we both and a couple of other Realtors have listings. She, I and other other agent agreed; only she and I showed up. The 3rd agent did not show up, two of the other agents did not want to participate.

We agreed and both went to our respective home listings, set up for visitors with flyers, signs, balloons, and cookies/drinks. I took my laptop to do some work in case it was slow. It was a very hot afternoon and Open Houses do not seem to be as successful in this sort of heat.

I had a total of two couples come through, one of which was a couple moving back here from Charleston when they get their condo sold there. They may be a longer term buyer prospect, but will not actually be candidates for this home. The other couple were a new agent with our office and her husband. She showed up in support of my Open House, now how nice was that? But, definitely not a buyer prospect. Then, the former co-worker called me to talk. We must have spent about 30 minutes talking Real Estate, and the market is clearly taking it's toll on agents livelihoods. None of the people we discussed are negative agents; all ethical, hard working and top producers in Real Estate but all were having problems. They are still selling, but not nearly as much. She discussed the possibility of coming to our KW office and of course, would be a welcome addition. It will be her choice; I do not try to make that choice for them, just present them with the opportunity to meet with me and my Operating Principle who then discusses our company and the benefits of working there for agents, particularly experienced agents as she is.

My conclusion is the Open House does not change my mind about the best way to market homes; Open Houses are not it. In the 12 years I have worked in Real Estate, I have sold one home as a result of an Open House. That was to a lady who had an agent already but was out looking at open homes. In a different and really hopping market, it might be beneficial to hold group open homes to attract more people, but in today's market and in our area, that is simply not it.

There are other ways one can work an open house that may be more likely to get a buyer for the property and I may try that one soon. It was an idea thrown out by a trainer who does presentations to agents all over the US. I had not heard that one and will let you know if it is successful when I do.

Let's all go sell some Real Estate out there next week!!