There are many things you can do to sell your Connecticut property. And it’s a combination of these many things that will inevitably sell your house. You will want to implore a strategy that really works and doesn’t waste any time.
Is an Open House right for your Connecticut home? Will it be worth the time and energy? In this blog, we will review the pros and cons of an open house so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Pros and Cons of an Open House in Connecticut
Pros:
More Exposure
The fact is, you may not get a buyer from the open house itself. In fact, more houses are sold via private showings. However, when you are trying to sell, you should let as many people know about the property as possible. Your nosy neighbor could wander in from off the street. Sure, they aren’t buying for themselves, but they might know someone who is. The idea of “picking” your neighbors will be appealing to many people. Having an open house is a great way to give your house exposure. More people seeing your home will never be a bad thing. Plus even if a lot of people don’t show up to your open house, your real estate agent will advertise for it. That will let the real estate community know that your house is for sale and buyers/agents might look into your house even if they don’t show up at the actual open house.
A Nice Environment for Buyers
An Open House usually brings in all types of people. Some people simply love seeing homes. Others are ready to make an offer on the spot. But what most people love, is that they are typically able to walk around the house without any high-pressure sales. This gives them the chance to get a feel for the property and the ability to imagine themselves living there. While a private showing is more one-on-one, an Open House will allow buyers to look around at their own pace without feeling rushed.
Cons:
Stressful
Most sellers stay away during an open house. It can be awkward for everyone. You probably don’t want to watch people judging every detail of your home. Buyers do not want to feel as if they are intruding upon you, nor do they want to feel as if you are breathing down their necks. You will need to get the house spotless and then hit the road. You should plan to be away for a few hours. Cleaning, staging, leaving and wondering who is walking through your house can be very stressful! But your real estate agent will keep tabs on all of that. Most open houses have sign in sheets to keep track of who showed up, and who’s working with an agent already etc. Therefore, once the open house is over, you can always ask your real estate agent for these details.
Security Issues
Speaking of people walking through your home, the idea of it can be a little scary! Thieves can take advantage during an open house, so make sure valuables are locked away. Jewely and other expensive items should be securely hidden or put in a safe. The same goes for weapons, for obvious reasons. Put away all personal items, so nothing goes missing. People will also use an Open House as a chance to stake out the property. Most agents have an eye for these types, but some people choose to send a friend in to drop by to make sure everything is going well.
Dealing With Unqualified Buyers
An open house will attract anyone and everyone. Some of your competition might stop in to see what they are up against. Others might stop in just because it’s a Sunday and they enjoy walking through houses and seeing home layouts and decorating styles etc. You might have people off the street, walking in and attempting a verbal offer. Getting offers from unqualified buyers can waste everyone’s time. Make sure your agent knows to only get offers from individuals who have been pre-qualified. Again, your real estate agent will keep track of who is stopping in and getting a sense of whether they are a serious buyer or someone with their own ulterior motives.
Holding an open house is part of a much larger strategy. Many agents hold an open house to help increase their own exposure. And while it may not sound like it, this can be very good for you. A Realtor who knows how to market themselves and who has a lot of connections will likely be able to draw a crowd for your home. Any exposure of your property can be beneficial, just don’t expect a ton of legitimate written offers on the day of. Don’t rely solely on an open house, but do appreciate an agent who is utilizing ALL resources to sell your home.