Open Houses At Night...Are they Effective?

Published 07 October 08 11:09 AM | Sandy Shores

 

Attendance at open houses on homes for sale here in Brevard County Florida has slowed to a crawl.  Many REALTORS are finding that they are not drawing the crowds they were in the past. Some REALTORS have noted that they haven't had a single visitor to their last open house; not even a neighbor!

So, REALTORS are trying to throw in an added twist. 

REALTORS are opting to hold houses open in the evening, during the week, after people get off work.

How will that work? Will it make a difference? Will attendance increase? Do buyers like them better? 

Is this just another way that REALTORS are catering to the changes in our market? And catering to the needs of their buyers and sellers?

As a REALTOR, many of my listing appointments are scheduled in the evenings at the convenience of sellers.  And, often times I work with buyers on weeknight evenings. My other evenings are spent enjoying my teenage daughters many school functions.

So, are REALTOR open houses effective during weeknight evenings or are they a waste of time?

Does it depend on the type of home being offered for sale? 

So, next time you go out looking for a home, be sure to wear your jamies and bring your flashlight,  your pillow and your toothbrush!

Filed under: brevard county real estate, Melbourne Real Estate, open houses at night

Comments

# dorriecrossley said on October 7, 2008 05:05 PM:

Sandy, I think this is a great idea!  Why does an open house have to only be on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon?  The answer is...that it's doesn't!  The idea is to get interested people in to see the home and if the seller is flexible/motivated they will be open to any chance to show their home.  

Make some cookies and put on a movie too...we'll be right over!  

# Sandy Shores said on October 8, 2008 03:20 PM:

Hi Dorrie,  We'll see how well it is received around here.  I'll let you know.  We must be creative today!