Frighteningly Good Facts About Open Houses

Now that mid-October has arrived, many of us have spent some time scouting out local haunted houses in the spirit of the Halloween season. While getting a good scare as you tour through creepy decor may be ideal for some, haunted houses are just not for everyone.

In the real estate world, we give our own type of tours through available homes, but they’re called open houses—and, they’re anything, but scary! Today, we’re here to tell you why open houses can be very appealing for everyone—from buyers to sellers to even real estate agents!

Here are a few reasons why open houses are still relevant for many crowds in today’s real estate market:

Open houses benefit buyers.

1. You can ask any buyer out there. Looking for a new home can be overwhelming. An open house gives buyers an opportunity to browse through a prospective home in a stress-free environment, for several reasons. Whether they bring their real estate agent or not, buyers do not have to feel much pressure about interacting with a listing agent at an open house. Typically, buyers can roam through an available home at their own pace. Another reason that open houses are stress-free for buyers is that they do not have to worry about scheduling an appointment. Instead, they have an hours-long window to view a home at their leisure.

1. Another reason that open houses benefit buyers is that they are able to leisurely look around neighborhoods they may be interested in. Even if they are not 100% interested in the home they’re touring, they can spend some time in a neighborhood they know they’re attracted to. They can see the types of home and neighbors, so they have a better idea of what life there could be like. In addition, touring through a home in an area they are interested in can show buyers certain features they would like (and would not like) in a prospective home.

1. Finally, open houses give buyers an awesome opportunity to connect with a realtor that could be perfect for them. Many buyers come to open houses without the representation of a real estate agent, because they simply do not have one. If they have a good connection with a home’s listing agent, they may just find the partnership (and home) they’re looking for!

Open houses benefit real estate agents.

1. Because open houses are a great place for prospective buyers to meet a compatible real estate agent, of course, open houses are a great place for agents to meet prospective clients! There should be no miscommunication about the fact that an agent has the potential to meet new clients at a current client’s open house. After all, they are a knowledgeable resource about the home—why shouldn’t they be there to help any interested buyers?

1. Some sellers want to hold multiple open houses, which is great. Unfortunately, not all agents are able to staff a client’s open house for a few weekends in a row. So, they rely on help from other agents. This is another great realtor “plus,” as it allows newer agents an opportunity to connect with other agents and possible new clients. Another realtor win? Absolutely!

1. Finally, holding an open house at a home gives a real estate agent a unique opportunity to get some one-on-one knowledge of a neighborhood. Not only will they be spending a few hours at a home in a specific neighborhood, but open houses often draw in neighbors. This can give real estate professionals a great opportunity to learn about the home and learn about what goes on in a neighborhood. All of this is useful

knowledge they can pass on to prospective buyers—now and in the future!

Open houses benefit sellers.

1. First and foremost, holding an open house gives a seller the opportunity to market their home in another way. Prospective buyers may see an advertisement for an open house in a newspaper, on their favorite social media site or in someone’s front yard. But, if a seller chooses to have an open house, buyers will have a greater opportunity to see it!

1. Open houses also provide sellers with an opportunity to receive instant feedback about their home. Holding an open house as soon as your home goes on the market can give you an opportunity to find out what buyers like—and do not like—about your home. If you need to do any additional staging or decluttering, you’ll know right away and can make necessary changes.

1. Finally, holding an open house could make your home available to buyers who didn’t even consider themselves to be serious. Perhaps a neighbor or community member has always had their eye on your home—or a home like yours. Holding an open house gives them an opportunity to see what could be—and what could be theirs!

See how open houses can be scary good for buyers, real estate agents and sellers? If you’re on the fence about holding or visiting an open house, give one a chance this season. You may be pleasantly surprised about what you find!