Open Houses...Part 2

There are many agents who don't want to host open houses every weekend, and I don't blame them.  As I told you before, I've been on both sides of the open house debate and I can honestly say there are valid reasons why some agents don't host them.  Here are a few of those reasons...

Open houses are a thing of the past...Your house is open 24/7 online!
The internet certainly allows us to have virtual open houses 24/7, 365 days a year in rain, snow, blazing heat, and even on the holidays, but video tours and professional photos still cannot take the place of walking through the front door of what could be a buyer's new home.  Not even the most creative photographer or marketing expert can let you see, touch, smell, and hear all that a home has to offer.

Agents only do open houses to find new prospects!
It's not the only reason, but we do host open houses for ourselves too!  Many buyers just starting out in their home search haven't made contact with a mortgage lender or real estate agent yet and don't even know where to start.  They see an open house sign and they feel less pressured to stop in and take a look as opposed to calling an agent they've never met to set up a private showing.  This is one of the areas a real estate agent can benefit from hosting open houses-- obtaining new buyers who are not yet working with another agent.  What agents who use this excuse seem to forget is that they could be hosting an open house for another seller and find the buyer for YOUR home.

Open houses are just for nosey neighbors!
Just as the other two excuses, this one has some truth to it too.  I always prepare my seller for the inevitable parade of neighbors at their first open house.  Some admit to being a nosey neighbor, while others try out their acting skills on me, like this is my first day on the job.  This is ok!  Let all the neighbors see it, let them all talk about it to their friends, family, and co-workers!  Your buyer may come from one of those sources!  I especially enjoy when a neighbor tells me "they'll never get that much out of this house".  They think they're keeping their house perfectly positioned as the best home on the block until I remind them that whatever this house sells for will have a direct impact on the market value of their home.  Suddenly, they're in my corner hoping I sell it for full price!  It's the little things that keep me amused!

Open houses are dangerous!
Well, true.  I can't really argue this one.  We sit in a house and invite strangers inside.  Who in their right mind would do that?  Only a real estate agent!  Thankfully, over the years we've all wised up to the threat of "stranger-danger" and we've been educated in REALTOR® safety, self defense, and have several safety precautions and procedures in place.

So what is your opinion of open houses now that you've hear both sides of the argument?  Do you think they work?  Do you think they're worth the trouble?  I'd love to hear your comments!