The debate continues on whether or not open houses are outdated. And anyone who has ever gone to an open house knows that not everyone there is a potential home buyer. So who goes to open houses? I have met many wonderful clients at open houses, and some have become friends. Although some Realtors love open houses, I have mixed emotions. For security issues, I try to hold them open with a real estate partner. So, who goes to open houses? The most common attendees are Neighbors, Real Estate Junkies, Serial Open House Goers, Those up to No Good, Potential Home Buyers, the Simply Curious, and Other Realtors and Vendors.
Neighbors: There are two types; the nice neighbors typically introduce themselves and ooh and aah about the neighborhood and the home. I love the nice neighbors. They are an extra layer of security and often provide valuable insight regarding the other neighbors and the neighborhood. I don’t care for the ones who check out my client’s medicine cabinet.
Real Estate Junkie: When I first married George, he could not drive by an open house without going in. Some people love real estate and want to see every listing in their neighborhood.
Serial Open House Attendees: A decade ago, I had an amazing Spanish Colonial Revival home listed in Glendale’s Cumberland Estates neighborhood. A couple dropped in and explained why this home wasn’t for them, and what they were looking for in a home; they wanted more privacy, etc., etc. Last year they turned up at my La Canada listing on Meadow Grove. Ten years and they still haven’t found their dream home. Either they are the Goldilocks couple, or they go to Sunday open houses for entertainment.
Those up to no good: Two people should always host public open houses on larger homes. Opening your home to anyone walking in from the street is odd. The opportunity for theft is too easy.
The potential home buyer: These are always the poor souls who get lost in the crowd – the serious buyer. It is usually the real estate junkie or some noisy Nellie asking question after question, diverting my attention away from my purpose of being there, selling the home. The potential buyer is often timid, fearful of the Realtor, and reluctant to make contact. (so that you know, most of us aren’t that scary).
Simply curious: Now and again, there is a home we have been curious about, perhaps we have admired it, or perhaps we knew someone who used to live there. If it’s held open, of course, you want to relive old memories; come on in.
Realtors: We often go to open houses to preview listings. Typically, we do this on Broker’s Caravan Day, but sometimes we see a new listing at the Sunday open house.
Vendors: I don’t object to mortgage loan officers, insurance agents, etc., stopping by my open house, BUT I am not there to chat with them. I have a job to do and am both a security and real estate salesperson. It’s my party, don’t pitch your services to me at my open house – it’s not fair to me, potential home buyers, or my home seller to distract me from my job.
Each home sale and seller are unique. If you are considering selling your home, call me, and let’s discuss whether or not it should be held open to the public and, if so, what precautions to take.
Related Post: Should I go to open houses without my agent?
