Know the Pros and Cons of Open Houses



There are a variety of opportunities in the Central Pennsylvania real estate market for both buyers and sellers. If you're a prospective buyer click here for a full home search, or if you're considering placing your home on the market, get a free home value report, right here.

In today's constantly changing marketplace, many homeowners are unsure whether an open house is still an effective way to market their home. To help you decide for yourself, we've compiled a list of the pros and cons of the process.

Pros
  • Buyers feel less pressure when visiting an open house; they bring in potential buyers who would otherwise be too casual or unmotivated to book a showing.
  • You can set the scene. When prospective buyers come by your home for a traditional showing, they often give you little notice beforehand - making it difficult to keep your home ready to show for the entire duration it's on the market. 
  • You choose the timing. You can schedule an open house so it fits with your schedule. It makes your lifestyle a whole lot easier when you choose the time - you never have to struggle to make appointments with a few buyers at a time, at times that are inconvenient for you. 
  • Lock in interested buyers. If a potential buyer has already spotted your home, they may stop by to see what your home is really like. Pictures are great, but physically experiencing a home tells a bigger story. It's an added bonus that buyers can bring family and friends along.
  • Your home gets more exposure. Your home will be advertised with extra signs in local newspapers, Facebook, Trulia, TourFactory, Realtor.com, and the MLS, among others. 
Cons
  • Open Houses are outdated. In today's marketplace, there are online open houses. High-definition photographs by professional photographers, and virtual tours make your home viewable 24/7. 
  • You may attract the wrong visitors. Nosy neighbors, dreamers who can't afford your home, and burglars are just a few of the undesirable individuals who may stop by. There are also professional viewers, who may only be looking for ideas for their own home. You may attract more aloof people than the serious, ready, and willing buyers you are looking for. 
When it comes down to it, everyone has a different set of circumstances surrounding the sale of their home. If you would like guidance with the process and are unsure of whether an open house is right for you, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would like to help you sell your home in the most beneficial way possible!