Don't Expect Much from an Open House

How ineffective? A recent nationwide poll of Realtors by the National Association of Realtors found that only 7 percent of all home sales were through traditional open houses. Because they know that the time spent at an open house is probably not going to lead to a sale, real estate professionals approach open houses like unpaid baby sitting-if the seller really wants one, they'll do it to appease the client.

So is it worth holding an open house at all? Yes, if you do it right. The "targeted" open house is for real estate agents or other invited guests only. The restricted approach was endorsed by 59 percent of the agents in the study.

You showcase the listing to other brokers, preferably when the house first goes on the market.

If holding a weekly open house is a weak sales technique, then what really works? The agents in the Texas study listed yard signs, the multiple-listing service, and referrals as the top ways to attract buyers. Number four on the list was the Internet. Brokerage firms, agents, and the National Association of Realtors all operate web sites. You can't beat the world wide web for convenience and the massive quantity of listing information that can fit onto a web site.

Before you get someone in the door, the survey suggests the following:
1. Price your home competitively.

2. Decorate so your house "shows" well: consider hiring a decorator who specializes in low-cost
home "primping" for real estate sales.
Remember to remove as many personal items such as family photos from walls and mantles.
You want your home to entice buyers not show people that you are too attached to the home.

3. Provide comprehensive information, including as much detail as possible about your
home's construction and features, and neighborhood information on schools and community services.

4.If your house is energy efficient, be sure to trumpet that virtue along with the annual savings on utilities.

5. Remember to not neglect the front and rear yards, if your home has such. the old saying "you only get one chance to make a good first impression" hold true.