Do Open Houses Sell Homes?

At the beginning of every new year, we see more open houses and less football!

Is an open house productive? It can be. It is a good way to receive feedback about a property and meet new buyers. The buyer can also get a good feel for the neighborhood. The seller has one and only one chance to make a good first impression with an open house. The home needs to be clean, fresh smelling, and cosmetically pleasing. It should be bright and cheerful--with all the windows gleaming and the blinds/drapes open, and lights need to be on in all rooms, the garage, and the basement. The thermostat should be at a comfortable temperature.

On the other hand, now that properties are posted on the Internet with both interior and exterior photos, there could be less traffic at open houses than in the past. Buyers have the ability to become familiar with the home right from their computer.