Open Houses in 2021: In-Person, Virtual or Unnecessary?

We all know the drill by now. You put up a "for sale" poster outside the house and a plate of cookies inside for prospective buyers; perhaps even a brochure.

 

A open house sign

But do open houses still work amidst the pandemic? Here’s everything you need to know:

Does An Open House Still Work?

It depends on how the open house has been set up; just putting up a poster does not get people to show up. You have to get the word out, post on social media, and personally invite people.

In general, while an open house may not lead to many offers from the visitors, it helps get the word out that you’re selling and this eventually reaches the right person.

It’s also important to remember that over 30% of home buyers are still first-timers, so an open house gives them a chance to discover your house at a time when they may not even be looking for one.

 

In-Person Open Houses

In-person open houses were the standard so far. However, there’s a lot of hassle involved in getting people to attend one. If you manage to round up a crowd, it becomes difficult to pay individual attention to every buyer.

Make the most of an in-person open house by getting at least one or two solid leads. You can also set up private showings. That way, you can focus on one particular client without worrying about other buyers.

 

Virtual Open Houses

With COVID-19 still raging on, people crowding inside the same house isn’t a good idea.

Using a camera for a virtual house tour


Virtual open houses benefit both the buyer and seller. Looking at something online is more convenient than looking at it in person.

A virtual open house makes it more likely for people to take a look at your home casually, while it also makes it easier for you to host. You can also use tips and tricks to make your home look good, such as using better camera equipment and highlighting the house's best parts.

Final Recommendations

Open houses still have a lot of value. They bring a fair amount of attention to the home and let both the buyer and the seller assess the market.

But given the changing times and the hassle that goes with an in-person open house, it may be time to change the model.

Virtual tours can be used to gain maximum attention, and then you can get in touch with the most interested viewers to have them visit the house personally.

 

Get Your Open House Set Up with Help From a Real Estate Agent in North Carolina

Setting up an open house and ensuring that everything goes well isn’t easy, especially if you’ve never done it before.

Phillip Fehler is one of the foremost real estate agents in Fayetteville. Whether you want to sell your house in Fayetteville or are looking for a relocation service in Fort Bragg, he can leverage his years of experience and help you out.

 

Call him today to discuss your options, and visit his website for further information.

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