Is open house a good idea for sellers? | Q&A

Dear Jan: We are selling our home. Our agent wants us to have an open house. We really don’t want to do this – are we foolish to not have an open house? PH

Dear PH: Different agents have different theories on open houses. Some feel it is a good opportunity to expose your home to the public that “one” buyer will walk through the door and say, “Write it up.” Statistics show that to be rarely the case. (Rarely does not mean NEVER though.)

Typically, when an open house is held, the reality is that the home does not fit most buyers. The agent then has an opportunity to get the buyer’s information and contact them another day to see what would work for them. Agents have guidelines to adhere to when they use this technique of getting buyers.

Some sellers just don’t want open houses. They want only qualified buyers coming through their home with a real estate agent. That is OK.

We are in a market where every single buyer is important so exposing your home may be a good idea. Who knows it may be your lucky day! But bottom line, the decision is yours.

If you are a buyer, a huge opportunity to see new construction homes is coming up. The Kitsap Home Builder’s Association is hosting its annual Parade of Homes next weekend, Aug. 2-3. Stop by a real estate office for maps. It is a fun opportunity to see what is new in the industry.

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