Why Open Houses?

No Matter the Market, Open Houses Still Provide an Edge When It Comes to Selling Homes

By Keith Loria

RISMEDIA, Sunday, November 17, 2013— Even as prospective buyers continue to turn to the Internet to search for their dream home, most agents will argue that open houses are still the best way for house hunters to see and feel if a home is the right fit. And nothing beats actually walking through a house and seeing it firsthand.

Plus, for...some...buyers—who may not be comfortable looking at homes on the Internet—the only way they’re going to discover the home of their dreams is to go see it in person.

When it comes to open houses and getting homes sold in today’s market, there’s growing concern among those in the industry that the housing downturn is a primary reason as to why open houses can be ineffective. During the housing boom, it was more common for buyers to make an offer at an open house because they were worried that another buyer would beat them to it...

...If you’re planning on incorporating an open house into your home-selling strategy, real estate professionals suggest hiring a professional stager who’ll be able to offer advice when it comes to de-cluttering your home. Whether it’s moving stuff into storage, improving lighting or simply creating an inviting home, stagers will prove to be a beneficial asset throughout the entire process. I am happy to make a couple of recommendations with proven professional stagers as statistics show they reduce time on market and increase prices.

Open houses will also go a long way toward attracting a wide range of prospective buyers as they typically draw a cross section of people from...neighbors to those who are just starting their search. They also make it so much easier for buyers that want to see several homes during the same "trip," as Open Houses allow buyers to get in and through a home more quickly, in our time pressed ansd stressed society. While you may not get serious offers from those who are just beginning the process, open houses are a great way to draw attention to your home, especially if it’s priced right.

As for my belief in the effectiveness of Open Houses, I consistently average at least one offer for every home I list to SELL. These offers may not ultimately lead to the winning buyer, buyer but do help to stoke the competition in a multiple bid. My belief in Open Houses lead to the creation of several Open House Websites that now average 1,500 hits per month each.

Buyers who have been pounding the pavement, searching for their dream home might finally find what they’ve been looking for, and since they know what else is out there, it could lead to a sale.

Additionally, having your neighbors show up for your open house can prove to be a benefit in disguise. While they’ve most likely been telling their friends about the merits of the neighborhood for years, your home being on the market may be the icing on the cake when it comes to them finally being able to enter the community.

To learn more about open houses, contact me today.

Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes



Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.



As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (ABR), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers



As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris County thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.

Mark Slade