What if you held a garage sale and nobody came?

What would you do if you held a garage sale and nobody came? That certainly would be disheartening, for sure. You put all the work into getting ready. You place the signs out for the public to see. You maybe even ran an advertisement in the newspaper. You get up early and with the highest expectations, open up the house. And wait...and wait. Disappointment sets in.

Now, what if you had an open house and nobody came? You got up early and finished all your preparations. You have the house clean, sweep off the drive way and porch. Open the windows to let the fresh air inside. You make sure your advertisement is in the newspaper. You place your signs where they are easily visible. Then, no one or only a few people show up. Disappointment sets in.

Having an open house in this market is one of the tools we, as real estate agents, use to hopefully sell your home. Your preparation as a seller is appreciated. After all, selling a home in a buyer's market is a team effort- you and your real estate agent.

There is no guarantee that your home will sell at an open house. Some statistics say that less than 1% of homes are sold through an open house. That may very well be true. But, if you are that "1" then open houses are a great tool!

As an agent I do conduct open houses. Why? Because I am looking for buyers. When folks show up I am going to try to sell your house to them. I am going to give it my all. Some folks are just looking. Some folks are only out driving around and wasting time. Some folks are your neighbors. Yes, sometimes the visitor may only be a "nosey neighbor." But, that still does not stop the effort.

If you have had an open house with no success, be not discouraged. It only takes one buyer showing up at the right time. I remember once I sold a house because I was placing a sign in my car and the seller happened to be parking in the spot next to me. Talk about luck. Good luck...because that listing led to an open house which led to 5 transactions.

With open houses, sometimes you win, sometimes you don't. But, you know what? I have not quit!

Interested in selling your Viera, Suntree or Rockledge home? Please give me a chance to be your Realtor of Choice. Considering buying in Viera, Suntree or Rockledge, give me a call.
Or, stop by one of my open houses - I do believe in them!

Gary Waters, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Melbourne, Florida. Please read my other blog at www.activerain.com/blogs/gwatersc21 .