With the change in the weather comes more opportunities for buyers to get out and about looking at homes. Open Houses. A National Association of Realtors (NAR) survey says that 50% of buyers visit an open house at some point in their search. DO they purchase the exact home they view? NO, not always. Sellers then ask “why do an open house?” The advantages to sellers are as many as there are to buyers. After all the hype about SEO, the internet taking the place of Realtors® and touring homes, people still want to “feel” a home, and see if it feels right for them; “see” what they are buying and see that it matches the online version; “experience” the neighborhood, the backyard or deck or whatever the home features. And how best to do that is up front and personal vs an online version or fantasy of what they think it is. The bedroom may not be as they picture, and on and on.
While their Realtor® is busy at an open house, or elsewhere, they can visit many homes all in one afternoon and narrow down their search; take their time looking at the things that matter to them without a homeowner being disturbed or displaced; the awkwardness of opening a closet or cabinet with a homeowner present prevents some buyers from feeling comfortable doing so, thus their viewing experience can be limited and leave them unsure of what the home would be like for them. Open houses allow buyers to determine what features that they think they want, or really what they want by seeing them up close and personal and seeing them as they function, right in front of them. An open house can provide data that gives buyers a comparison to other homes giving the buyer a feeling of what something is worth, and what amenities they are willing to pay for. The experience of viewing a home, walking the hallways, standing in the bedroom where they plan to sleep, seeing the sunshine through the windows or the view from the window, all make a house a home IF it’s the right one. How does this benefit sellers? In the same way. There is a right buyer for every home. The more opportunities buyers have to view different properties, the easier and sooner they can narrow their search, ending in falling in love with a home.
As an experienced Realtor®, the first thing I say to buyers is that no Realtor® can make them buy something. THEY will choose the home, my job is to listen, explore the field, and expose them to the things they expressed that suit them or that they value, and they will choose from those presented opportunities. In short, buyers pick their home, my job is to expose them to the options. It is actually true that buyers tell you when it’s “the one.”
An open house is more than a showing it’s a chance to explore, ask questions, and learn more about the home, if you’re actively looking or just beginning your search come visit me at an open house and let’s continue the conversation.
