To open or not to open?  That is the question raised by many vendors when listing their home for sale.  Whether you love or hate them, do they work? 

Some vendors are scared stiff of having an open house but think they have to have one in order to sell their home.  This is not true and I strongly believe it is horses for courses when it comes to open inspections.  I do not coerce my vendors into having an open but if they want one, I am more than pleased to hold one. 

The primary purpose of my open inspections is to raise the profile of the property, to increase its exposure and get as many people through your house as possible.  Now we all know that not every person who attends an open inspection is looking to purchase but does that matter?  I welcome everyone to my open houses simply because it is all about exposure and promotion.  Some will be genuine buyers, others will be home owners thinking of selling their house and wanting to gauge the market, others are investors, neighbours, real estate professionals, passing motorists or those out for a morning walk.  Whatever the motivation for attending an open house, their feedback and attendance is welcome. 

A benefit of an open inspection is word of mouth – people talk.  They look through the house and then they discuss its features with people they know.  So for every person who attends the open house, there is a multiplying effect.  And this extra exposure is free!

The advantages of open inspections for buyers is that

it is a pressure-free way of looking at houses, particularly if you are just starting to look and are not sure of what you really want in a property.  You can wander around, check out the features of the house at your own pace & start to get an indication of what you get for your money on the current market.

I also strongly maintain that one of the most valuable things a buyer can do is get to know the real estate agent – build a rapport and take advantage of the advice available.  You will find that your agent is more in tune with you and your needs if you take the time to talk, and what better place than at an open? 

So this weekend, whether you are a vendor, purchaser or just out for your morning walk, come to my open houses and say hello!

Regards, Zeta.