This is a question that sellers often ask prior to listing their home.  From an agent’s perspective, public open houses are essential if the home has a location issue; for example, if the home is on an extremely busy street.  Many buyer’s agents may dismiss the home because of its “location issue,” and therefore they may not promote it to their buyer clients.  Public open houses allow the buyers an opportunity to see the house on their own.  Maybe the home’s location doesn’t really bother them because the house is priced correctly and allows them a chance to buy into the town at an affordable price.  So in these situations, having public open houses is important.

Other than that, it’s really up to the seller.  Some sellers aren’t open to having public open houses.  They may feel strongly about their privacy and/or they may have treasured, expensive items in their homes, and so they don’t feel comfortable letting people into their homes to tour the property freely.

My guess is that what sellers are truly asking when they pose this question is whether public open houses can sell their homes.  I think most agents would concur that, for the most part, public open houses do not sell a home.  Often, public open houses provide an opportunity for neighbors and curiosity seekers -  in other words, buyers who are not serious – to view a home.  Another point to consider is that during the open houses, the public could be critiquing the home and making negative comments out loud which could obviously have a harmful effect on the other buyers touring the home. The one time I can actually point to selling a home through a public open house was when I had a listing with a location issue – the property was located on Route 9 in Wellesley, MA.  The buyers walked into the public open house I was hosting, fell in love and ultimately bought the house.

The positive perspective about public open houses is that it does allow more opportunities for potential buyers to view the home, which is all good.  And often, it allows interested buyers to come back and view the property for a second or third time at their own pace. Again, all good.

So to me, the answer to this question really depends on the the preferences and beliefs of the sellers.  Most of the time, I don’t think public open houses ultimately sell homes, but they can be instrumental in marketing the home and facilitating buyers’ viewing of the home, which is an important part of the home selling process.

What are your thoughts?  Do you believe in further promoting and marketing your home through public open houses?  I can’t wait to hear…..