More often than not, my new listing clients ask me if they should have an open house or if they are a waste of time. Many sellers and agents are confused about the importance of an open house.
So… way, way back in 1994 when I started my real estate career, it was common practice to list a house for sale and schedule an open house. Now, with technology and video tours, many people consider open houses non-essential.
It’s about exposure… and it’s a win-win for the homeowner and the broker. One of the biggest things most agents promise at the listing appointment is marketing and exposure. In addition to other online marketing strategies, open houses (contrary to the opinion of some) can still play an important role in selling a home.
Not only does the open house offer more exposure for the home, but it is also a great way for the broker to promote him/herself and possibly gain a new client or two when they come to visit. Shouldn’t you expect all the marketing tools and efforts from your agent?
Here are 5 reasons you should have an open house for your Roseburg home.
#1 An Open House Doesn’t Cost Much
One reason you should have an open house is that it doesn’t cost much to advertise or host one. If the ads on social media, google, etc. don’t cost very much and the exposure adds even a few viewers, likes, or shares to your marketing momentum, then there’s really no good reason not to have an open house for your Roseburg home.
You’ve probably already listed your home with an agency, so that’s done. And now all you have to do for the open house is spend a few dollars (agents cover this cost) on ads and refreshments (and maybe a few cut flowers) – and hope the crazy Oregon weather will cooperate.
If you haven’t listed your house with a real estate broker yet, I would encourage you to ask what their opinion is about hosting open houses. If you are interested in my open house approach for my Roseburg area listings, call or text 541-643-1131 or send me a message. Honestly, one of the main reasons I hear other agents say they don’t do open houses is pure laziness. They just don’t want to work on the weekend.
#2 Reduce Costs And Compliments Marketing
Another reason you should have an open house is it compliments your other marketing efforts. Is it likely that you will get an acceptable offer at the open house on your Roseburg home? Maybe, maybe not… actually probably not, but that’s not the point. Again, the point is exposure at a super low cost.
An open house is just one more tool in your marketing toolbox… or at least it should be. And as the real estate market cycles and selling a house gets more challenging, you’ll need all the tools because they work together in all work together.
This also means that if you have an open house, you can reduce your overall marketing costs (in both money and effort) because the cheap social media open house will ad will add to the overall marketing momentum, and, as a result, you won’t have to spend as much on other marketing channels.
#3 The Chance To Rise Above The Competition
An open house also, when marketed correctly will give you the opportunity to make your house stand out from the others for sale in the area and so rise above the competition.
It is a good thing to get a handful of potential buyers through the home so they can get a real feel of what the home is like the specific features, and how it feels… without relying solely on photos or video to convey the “feel” (as important as that is).
Buyers will be able to experience directly and immediately the effects of the upgrades, features, smells, views, floor plan, and staging in some cases. And you or your agent can point out to buyers your home’s special features in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere… things you can’t possibly do in photos or text alone.
If you are considering selling your house in Roseburg and you’re unsure if your home would really outshine similar homes for sale in the neighborhood, you should ask for advice. It is best to get professional pointers and direction so you start the listing right and get a chance to rise above the competition without rewinding to start again.
I love it when my clients agree to have an open house for their Roseburg home. It gives us the opportunity to educate and inform interested potential buyers and buyer’s agents about all the special aspects of the property… as well as local amenities.
Don’t underestimate the importance of sharing local amenities when selling a house.
Local amenities can be more important to some buyers than the actual features of the house. An open house will let you talk casually to buyers about local schools, restaurants, wineries, breweries, shopping, healthcare, hospitals, and entertainment.
#4 Open Houses Are A Way To Show Buyers With No Pressure
Buyers are sometimes reluctant to call a real estate agent for information about a house. Maybe they’re just starting the process or perhaps they are afraid of being pressured by over-eager agents who are wanting to make a sale.
An open house is relaxed and doesn’t involve any of that sales pressure. People can tour your home at their own pace and take their time to linger over points and features that interest them without the fear of being pressured.
The goal of hosting an open house is to offer a laid-back environment that lets potential buyers roam around so they can fully experience the “feel” of your home. You want them to visualize themselves and their stuff in your space, and the longer they stay… the better:)
We don’t really want to give visitors time limits or constraints. We want them to feel free to stay as long as they like (long showings are good). We should give them the space with no sales pressure so they can decide for themselves the reasons the home works for their needs.
Sure, point out special features of the home that might not be obvious, like a high-efficiency heating system, convection oven, sprinkler system, etc., but don’t hover or chances are they’ll cut their visit short.
Even if they don’t make an offer, remember it doesn’t end there. In fact, I just received an offer last night on one of my listings – and the buyer was one who came to the open house last week. So yes, open houses can sell homes as well, it just might not be the same day as the open house.
So should you have an open house? Absolutely, even if it doesn’t result in a sale, it adds to your total marketing efforts.
There are other reasons you should have an open house on your Roseburg home, these are just my top 5. Bottom line, it’s not all about an instant sale… it’s about exposing the house. Want to discover even more about marketing and selling your Roseburg home? Then give me a call or text today at 541-643-1131.