My realtor found someone to do our open house (no, she does not do them herself). However, she just wrote me the email verifying that she found an agent to do it from 1-3pm. I thought the standard is 1-4? Is it out of line for ME to hold the last hour of the open house if the agent isnt willing to do it? Last open house, we had someone showed up at exactly 4:00.
Opinions?
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ventana,
Well - that is really strange. Since I've always been lucky with open houses, I would want it open the extra hour, and I would tell my realtor that I want it from 1-4, and if the other person has to leave, you'll cover it. I know most realtors say they don't sell houses, but since so many of them around me sell at the Open House, I say take every single possible idea and work it during this strange housing market. Best of luck to you!!!
Posts: 3634 | Location: Northern Virginia, USA | Registered: May 29, 2003
I think different areas of the country have different times for open houses. In my area, 2-4 is the time slot used. I think it's best to use whatever timeslot is common in your area. If 1-4 is common, then ask your realtor if she/he thinks it will be okay for you to host the last hour of the open house.
Well, if the open house is Sunday, I hope they put an ad in this time. More people will show up. And also - may sure directional get put up and oh, I do balloons, even on the directionals.
Originally posted by real estate lady: Well, if the open house is Sunday, I hope they put an ad in this time. More people will show up. And also - may sure directional get put up and oh, I do balloons, even on the directionals.
It is actually next sunday (a week from now). I will definately make sure she gets balloons on the directionals. Thanks!
I didn't realize that open house times were standardized. In my area, we will see one hour open houses, but very few longer than two hours. They start anywhere from 10:00 and 99% of them are done by 4:00.
Originally posted by Trueheart: Not tO 'BURST YOUR BOUBLE " but Open Houses rarely sell houses".(they do get agents OTHER buyers )
I wouldn't worry about It........
Wouldn't you really rather have a 'QUALIFIED' buyer who shows up on a TUES, AFTERNOOON Then A 'lookey LOO' on a SUNDAY?
Just my opinion - after 10 yrs in the biz
PPS: Really GOOD agents don't have time to 'sit an open' (it's newbee work)
Trueheart, I bought my second house after seeing it for the first time at an open house. Several other posters have said the same thing here. Open Houses are very popular in this part of the country. And in the slow, buyers' market in most parts of the country right now, a good agent will use every vehicle possible to get buyers in the door.
I remember dreading to hold a planned open house on a Sunday. Bad storms were predicted that afternoon...the time of my open house. My seller called and asked if we should cancel.
I said to them my advertising is in place, so let's go forward.
All afternoon --with the dark growling sky... nothing.. then as I packed up ..now with the downpour, thundering and lightning..... a gift from above.. buyers!
As I escorted them through..this couple talked about how much they loved the home and wanted to make an offer on the spot. Then, it was my turn to get drenched..running out in the storm to get a contract and the comps from the car. So all three of us sit at the kitchen table dripping .talking to a lender by phone.... reviewing comps ..then- writing up the offer.
Just as I finished writing the offer, the storm was blowing over and the sellers walked in the door. I said I think we have your buyers here and asked the buyers to remain at the kitchen table, while I reviewed the offer with the sellers in the family room. The sellers accepted what they thought was a good offer.
The seller put on a pot of coffee and we all had a great day after all. The buyer explained they were about to give up on their home search...as they had looked at approx. 30 homes...and couldn't find what they wanted...until now.
To each his own, I would never pay commission to an agent and hold my own open house. I'm surprised your agent wants you involved, also. If I learned you were the owner I'd be uncomfortable looking and think you were desperate. Don't follow lookers around. As a seller, I don't care for open houses either, I never request them.
Posts: 946 | Location: Southern CA (Southbay) | Registered: Nov 08, 2005
Well, I know open houses dont necessarily sell houses very often, but at this point I need to try EVERYTHING! The open is on sunday and the agent open is the following tuesday. We just reduced the price to 250,000 and it is also up for rent. The ad will go in the paper.
My agent hires newbie agents to do the Opens for her so I have someone else to do it, which does not bother me. She can only hold it for 2 hours, so I would rather hold it for the last hour since the last time someone showed up at exactly 4:00 - closing time.
The first open house we had we had a lady who was VERY interested - but it turned out that she was in a lease option and for some reason she couldnt get out of it.
I know if we can just get people IN here, the house will sell. With the price drop I think people will start coming again. (crossed fingers)
Was the agent covering the open unavailable for the last hour? I agree with alot of Meisha's points - one of the reasons to hire an agent is to act as a buffer between you and potential buyers. Also, an agent is trained on what the rules of engagement are. As a lay-person, you might say or do something that may unwittingly get you in trouble later. I'd try to get the agent assigned to your open to stay that extra hour - they may be happy to to get exposure to potential new clients.
Also, as general advice to folks getting ready to sell and deciding on which agent to hire to list their home, be sure you get a clear marketing plan all agents you're considering. Part of the negotiation of the listing agreement is coming to agreement on what they will and won't do, including down to the open houses. If having opens are important to you, make sure that's part of the marketing plan and make sure your agent has the open covered.
My RE agent is having a "Broker's Open House" today from 12-2. I hope there's a good turn out or I'm going to be eating chicken salad all of next week.
We're not having a general public open house because they aren't the norm for this area. I live in the city and wouldn't want the 7-11 crowd wandering though my house anyway. I've bought and sold 6 houses now and I've never had one purchased via an open house, or have I bought one for that matter.
RElady that's a great story! You were very lucky! Ventana, I hope you have that kind of luck at your open house!
Aren't you in Fayetteville? That's where one of our many houses was located. We were stationed at Pope AFB.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: My dog,
Ventana - tell your DH my dad flew gas for the "Flying Tigers" and built the "Strike Command" at MacDill Field. Dad had top Sec. clearance. We have many fun evenings talking about his flying days. He is approaching 94 yrs. old. If DH knows any AF writers, Dad has some great stories.
Several months back I sold a AF couple, now stationed at MacDill..in from San Diego. They bought a pool home in Villa Rosa, and wanted to be north of the base..otherwise I would have brought them out to your area.
