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Explore the Benefits and Drawbacks of Holding an Open House!

Posted by Jayson Ang on June 3, 2023

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TLDR

An open house is a valuable opportunity for sellers to showcase their home to potential buyers without pressure. It can generate high foot and online traffic, creating a competitive atmosphere that may lead to a higher sale price. However, it also comes with drawbacks such as attracting unqualified buyers and posing security risks. Proper planning and screening of visitors are crucial to reap the benefits of hosting an open house while mitigating its downsides.

Hosting an open house is a straightforward way of showing off a home!

The seller can select an ideal time and date to make sure it’s convenient for them and that it will draw in the highest number of prospective viewers; then they simply open the doors of their home to anyone and everyone who wants to take a peek.

Sellers often take the necessary steps to make their homes show-ready and leave for a few hours to let their real estate agent do the presenting. The agent acts as host and invites multiple potential buyers to view the property either at the same time or in succession.

At an open house, the atmosphere may become hectic – which is why we’ve made a list of pros and cons to aid you in deciding if this is the right course of action for selling your home.

Taking this path means talking to numerous buyers in a single session – do you have the time for it?

Here Are The Pros Of Hosting An Open House

#1: A Surge Of Activity Both On Foot And Online!

Hosting an open house can be a great way to attract potential buyers and make your home stand out from the competition. To maximize the attention your open house receives, you’ll want to take advantage of both foot and online traffic.

Encourage viewers to snap photos and videos for their social media accounts, especially after you’ve put in the effort of staging your home. With these five home-staging tips, you could even spark a bidding war for your home!

Engage the services of a real estate agent, who will make sure your home is on everyone’s lips! Take a page from the playbook of new launch condo developers and create a stir on the internet, with the goal of having a throng of interested buyers at the open house. Your agent should have an effective promotional strategy in place to attract attention to your home.

All the buzz generated by high traffic could be the perfect way to make your home stand out from the crowd! Not only will it give the impression of a highly desirable property to all potential buyers, it may also spark interest from buyers of other units in the area or even encourage viewers who come to the open house to share their experiences online.

Increased visibility and foot traffic could lead to a higher sale price – making your home the envy of the neighbourhood!

#2: Low Pressure

Open house viewings offer potential buyers the opportunity to tour a home without feeling any pressure or having to endure a “sales pitch”. The host or the host’s agent can be on-hand to answer any questions that arise, however, these visits are typically seen as a leisurely stroll through the property – a chance for all interested parties to get a better sense of the home’s features.

Open houses give potential buyers the chance to view your home without any sales pressure. Browsers, who may not have been willing to book a private showing, may even return with an offer as the relaxed atmosphere inspires them to explore.

#3: High Competition

Having an open house with high traffic is key; potential buyers who visit will be aware that their offer needs to stand out. Successful open houses make buyers aware of the competition they may be up against, whereas with private viewings, there isn’t the same sense of urgency to increase their offer. An effective open house not only persuades buyers to bid higher, it also motivates them to act swiftly and put in a strong offer, so they don’t miss out on their dream home.

It is essential to time an open house correctly for its success; weekends are typically more effective than weekdays, and it is imperative to hold the open house no more than a week after the house has been listed – this will allow buyers to see that the listing is still “hot off the press” instead of something that has been on the market for over a month.

#4: Time-Efficient

Hosting an open house can be a great time-saver, as you’ll get to show off your home to multiple buyers in one go. You won’t have to worry about prepping your home again and again, nor will you have to go through the hassle of repeatedly opening and closing your door for individual viewings. All it takes is one clean-up or staging and your home will be ready to show!

Make sure to securely store your valuables before welcoming a multitude of unfamiliar faces into your home – are you ready for the guests?

Here Are The Cons Of Hosting An Open House

#1: Unqualified Buyers

An open house means the door is open for just about anyone, so be prepared for a few uninvited guests – the unqualified buyers!

People who are merely browsing, living in the neighbourhood and comparing their house to yours to get a gauge of its value, simply curious folks wanting to take a peek inside a private space, or serious buyers who haven’t done their due diligence or possess the right criteria to purchase your home – they all have one thing in common: they’re interested in your property!

To ensure that the best buyers make it through the door, you and your agent can pre-screen all visitors in advance; that way, you can keep the duds at bay!

#2: Security Threat

An open house can make your home vulnerable to theft and vandalism, so always ensure your valuables are put away and secure.

Furthermore, it provides ill-intentioned individuals the chance to survey your home for valuable items or security weaknesses, so it’s prudent to be mindful of who you permit entry.

You don’t have to go over the top with decorations; tasteful, understated furnishings are all that’s necessary to help potential buyers picture living in your home.

#3: Too Many People, Too Little Time

In the event that an open house draws an overwhelming turnout, it’s best to have a contingency plan in place to quickly evaluate the crowd, pinpoint serious buyers, and give your agent the chance to really focus on closing the deal with them.

Have You Considered Hosting An Open House?

Let the professionals handle the home staging for you! I’m an expert on how to stage your home properly – I’ll help you with the necessary steps to make your home look its best, from getting rid of clutter to applying a new coat of paint to your walls.

Send me a message on Whatsapp or start a chat with me here!

Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?

If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?

It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.

I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.

I can help you by:

Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.