Holding an Open House: Worth it? (Yes!)

Every listing client I’ve met with has asked me if open houses are necessary. “Aren’t they just to get new clients for you?”

Here’s what I tell them.

For my very first listing ever I was so excited I scheduled both a Saturday and Sunday open house. That Saturday, I planted my directional signs along the nearest major road, festooned with balloons, and waited anxiously to see who would appear.

Fifteen minutes a later, a gentleman knocked on the front door. He had seen my signs while driving by and, as an investor, wanted to take a quick look. He hadn’t seen the listing online, his agent hadn’t sent it to him, it was just a matter of driving down Route 50 in Fairfax at the right time on a Saturday afternoon.

Long story short, while I had many interested people come through over the course of the weekend, it was that first visitor, spurred only by the signs and balloons, who made the highest and best offer on the house.

First open house, first visitor through the door, and first sale. Quite an open house to start my REALTOR career!

It’s been a few years since that first open house. I’ve sold other listings to open house walk-ins during those years and I expect to sell to plenty more of them in years to come.

Even in a super-competitive market like we have today, it pays to have as many potential buyers as possible see your home. That best-and-highest offer can come from an open house, an online search, or call from FOR SALE sign, or even somewhere unexpected — it’s my job as a REALTOR to make every avenue attractive and accessible.

And for an open house, it’s truly a case of opportunity knocks!