5 questions to ask
before holding an open house
By Melinda Fulmer
| Not sure
whether your home might benefit from an open house?
Here's how to decide. |
1. Is your house in
a high-traffic area? While many are advertised
in the newspaper, on the Internet and in fliers, it's
still drive-by and foot traffic that brings most open-house
visitors. Amanda Staines, a sales director from Atlanta
and a former agent, says she plans to hold an open house
every weekend until her newly renovated two-bedroom townhome
sells. The reason? "Location, location, location. My
house is off a major road, so the signage can really
pull" people in, she says.
2. Does it have special features or was it recently
renovated? An especially beautiful house
can make buyers out of the most casual visitors.
3. What's your home's sale price? Many
real estate agents say they no longer hold open houses for
high-end homes, because they consider them a draw for thieves
and gawkers. They prefer to schedule private tours.
4. How much time and money am I willing to invest
in an open house? In some markets, much of the
competition is using stagers and investing in costly upgrades
such as painting and landscaping. If you aren't wiling
to spruce things up, an open house might not be worth it.
5. Is my real estate agent behind the idea? If
they don't think it's a good idea for your home, or are unenthusiastic
about it, it might not do much for you. |