DFW Real Estate

DFW Real Estate Articles: 2008

The Open House
© by Mike Stevenson

The classic home marketing tool of the prior generation, the open house still makes its voice heard in weekend newspapers throughout the country. I have a few vivid memories that have to do with open houses... some I was holding; some I was visiting. My Grandfather was a home builder in Oklahoma City. I remember as a kid, going with my Grandma a few times to "sit an open house" at one of Grandpa's additions.  She told me that if we sold the house that day, she would give me $20. That was a lot of money to a 9-year-old back in the 1960's. The only problem for me was... we never sold one, and open houses back then (as now) were... boring!

Open houses can, however, serve a useful purpose. The greatest value in them is letting the neighbors see your home so they can tell a few people about it. Another important thing about them is, the neighbors (and competing sellers) get the information they want about the house all at once -- so they don't make phone calls again and again over a period of weeks.  A third benefit of an open house is to make the owners feel good about their real estate agent... after all, he's working hard to sell the house!  Finally, an open house can be used to generate leads for the real estate agent... prospects he hopes to "pick up" as future clients or customers.

Now, there are a few variations on the "traditional" open house... but for now, let's talk about what can be done to make the most of today's garden variety. First of all, the house must be shown at it's best. Before we open, be sure to secure valuables and prescription medications. Also put away personal items or sensitive materials as well as easily breakable items. Hide the laundry and remove the trash. We want our guests to be "delighted" with their visit. Let's make sure the house appeals to all of the five physical senses:

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