Are you on the fence about hosting an open house to entice buyers? There are many things you can do to sell your Myrtle Beach property, but an open house isn’t always the best option. Sometimes this strategy can work, but usually it’s a combination of many things that will inevitably sell your house.
Is an Open House right for your Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach
Pros:
More Exposure
You will most likely get more foot traffic hosting an open house. The problem is that these “buyers” are mostly tire kickers and nosy neighbors. The fact is, open houses usually help realtors get more clients via walk-ins, and most home sales are not a product of having open houses. 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.
A NIce Environment for Buyers
An Open House is typically a low pressure environment. People can come check the property out without having a realtor accompany them. It’s a great way for them to get a feel for what’s out there without committing to anything. It gives them the chance to imagine themselves living there without anyone in their ear. 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:
Dealing With Tire Kickers
There isn’t a screening process to allow access to an open house. It’s usually open to anyone, and it will attract anyone and everyone. 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.
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. If nothing more, a realtor willing to host open houses signifies a realtor who is willing to work hard.
Stressful
Most sellers are not present 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. Buyer’s will also get annoyed if the seller is trying to “sell them” on the house. It’s supposed to be a low pressure and pleasant experience for buyers. You will need to get the house spotless and then hit the road. If you have pets, make sure there isn’t an odor. Dust and mop, clean the kitchen and bathrooms, and try not to leave anything messy like toys on the floor, etc. 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!
Security Issues
Having a bunch of strangers walking through your home can be a bit scary. It’s not like there’s a security guard on site. Thieves can take advantage during an open house, so make sure valuables are locked away. Put away all personal items, so nothing goes missing. One realtor can’t possibly keep an eye on multiple people walking through your home at the same time. 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.
Are you thinking about selling your Myrtle Beach house? Find out what our team can do for you! Send us a message or give us a call now! 843-732-3529
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