Why Have an Open Home

Many buyers feel reluctant to call a salesperson about a property that they are interested in because they want to keep control of their anonymity until it is necessary to enlist the agent.

An open home is a non threatening, low sales pitch venue and many buyers find this much more comfortable until they have found the property that they want to buy or alternatively the offer already on their property has gone unconditional.

Buyers do buy homes in the weekend, many buyers do not know that by Monday they will own a home.  Given the non threatening opportunity to view through an open home can give them the chance to purchase where perhaps otherwise they would not have, if there was not an open home held on that property, they may simply not view it, or buy elsewhere.

The adage that we have to make it "easy” to buy may mean opening the home up for sale via an open day.

Future prospective clients will often attend a few open homes to get an idea of what their own property is likely to sell for and sometimes will fall in love with a property that they see at an open home. Prospective buyers will often want their families to come and have a look as well and this can contribute to their decision being favourable.

Neighbours will often come to open homes and while this can be construed, and often is, as being nosy - there are often friends and relatives of theirs who become the final owners - as they, like the neighbours, like the area and are keen to see if this home is the one for them.

If the property for sale has a conditional contract on it, it is advisable not to cancel any open homes that are coming up and have been advertised as such - just in case that offer falls through. A backup offer often ensures a sale.

SAFETY OF VALUABLES AND PROPERTY

Always ensure that jewellery and valuable items that are small enough to be pocketed should be locked away during the open home. This includes tools in sheds and vehicles etc. Visitors should always be asked to remove their shoes as well before proceeding through the property and there should always only be one door open for the prospective buyers to enter and exit from. Always check that all windows and doors are securely shut after the open home and before you leave the property.