It’s Sunday morning and you’re driving around after getting coffee and you see more than a few realtor signs offering an open house that afternoon. Sounds like fun so you plan to go and see a few. But why?
Some folks go because they are curious to see the inside of a long-admired house. Maybe they are looking at another home in the area and need a price comparison. Some folks have a less noble cause in mind and look for an opportunity to get into your home and steal something while no one is paying attention. There are many reasons why people attend open houses, but they are usually not to buy a house.
There are many realtors who feel the same way. If you are not sure what to do, ask your realtor what they would do to sell her own home. Most would not choose to hold an open house; there are better options available today that keep your home and belongings safe, while opening it only to those who are qualified and serious about buying.
An online virtual tour is a value to all parties because the buyers can get a full tour of your home at his own convenience. If interested, buyers must then go through a screening process with your realtor. You will only need to dress your home up for the filming, but will not be displaced from your home for Sunday after Sunday while your realtor sits around your home getting leads for himself, but probably no bites on selling your home.
You also do not want to give a buyer’s realtor additional negotiating power. By holding an open house, you are indicating that your home has not had much buyer traffic through it and you are desperate to get some prospects. This is not the right message to send if you want to get a fair price for your property.
Be smart, but be savvy. Work with a trust-worthy realtor and insist that all house visits be scheduled ahead of time.