Sizzling Hot Open Houses .. and other musings.

I like to hold open houses. One of my own homes sold as a result of an open house visit ... and the very first home I sold was from an open house.

It was a fall Sunday and I was a new agent and holding an open house at another agent's listing. A good number of people came through and one couple stayed for an hour (but they had an agent already). One lady came by and virtually "ran" through the house. She didn't stay long. I assumed no interest on her part. My report to the listing agent was I thought she would hear from the agent who represented the couple who stayed for an hour or more. Fast forward to Tuesday Morning. The lady who ran through called me. I teased her and said "you're calling to place an offer on the house" and when she said yes, I almost fell out of my chair. Anyway, she bought the house and I've been a fan of open houses since then.

HOWEVER, along the way I've learned a few things about when NOT to hold an open house:

1. NEVER, never hold one when the temperature outside is above 85 degrees -- no matter how hot the house, it's too hot for "lookers" in this part of the country.
2. Never, never hold one when the temperature outside is below 45 degrees-- especially if it's raining or threatening snow.
3. Never, Never hold one when the local professional football team is playing at home (in the same city as the open house).
4. Never hold one on a holiday weekend.
5. Never hold one on a tax free weekend.
6. Never hold one way out in the country .... not enough traffic
7. Most importantly, if the sellers don't care enough to clean the house, don't bother holding one.

Does this ring true with many of you?