Realtors welcome-Open House ?

My IL's have been trying to sell their home for quite a while now. The price has been lowered from $390K to $329k. They have had 2 open houses with their new realtor (Lisa Jagger Team) and no offers. They have had a little bit more activity since the lowering of the price but it's still minimal. Lisa is stating that homes do not sell from Open Houses therefore she seems to not be pushing them nor are the times good. This is my opinion and being in property invetements (not a realtor), it's my experience to advertise the cr@p out of a house. Open Houses, paper listings, MLS.... whatever else. All seems to be there but the Open houses.

In your experience, what times and days are the best to hold an Open House. Should this be something to push or let go? Any advice for my IL's?
Also, any thoughts on a 4bedroom,2.5bath, formal dining,large kitchen, large yard, 2 fire places in Selden would go for. Right now it's listed at $329. (one of the bedrooms/bath is from an apartment in the house)
I'm just looking for insight. My IL's are so depressed over this. Money is getting super tight since my MIL retired. They would move tomorrow if they could Any advice would be appreciated.

Re: Realtors welcome-Open House ?

I've also heard that open houses do not sell from just having open houses.

As a buyer, I have gone to a TON of open houses (and gone back to look again at an open house instead of just getting another appointment), I have also sent my parents to open houses I was interested in (if i were working that day) to see if it was something they'd think I'd like.

Usually open houses are good for the realtor, too...they can hopefully get some new clients that way. It can kinda be a win-win for all.

Saturdays and Sundays are obviously very good days to have open houses....as a buyer, I prefer the ones that have longer windows of time, because it's a ***** to have 6 open houses to check out all over the island and they are only from 12 to 2, KWIM?

I've gone to open houses on weekdays, too..but those are rare.

Sometimes they can have a broker's open house, where other brokers can come check it out or bring their potential buyers....but it's not always necessary I don't think, as if a house is in MLS, anyone can see it whenever, KWIM?

They can't hurt. I also believe any and ALL advertising of a home is great.

Also, FM Beth..she's a realtor!

Re: Realtors welcome-Open House ?

Also, on a 4bedroom,2.5bath, formal dining,large kitchen, large yard, 2 fire places in Selden ..

..I think the asking price of 330k might be kinda low...but it depends on the condition of the house, where it's located in Selden, and if the house has upgrades


I've seen homes in Selden recently around 370, if they were North, more towards Port Jeff Sta, and were 3 br, 1.5 bath, and no fireplace.

Re: Realtors welcome-Open House ?

The house is priced low. They are motivated to sell ASAP. They already have their home here in GA. MIL is retired. The house was built in'77 by my FIL. The home is kept in pristine condition, however the upgrades are their taste and not of a younger couples taste. It's all cosmetic and not of importance (again in my personal opinion)
Let me see if I can find their listing.

Re: Realtors welcome-Open House ?

Here it is:
http://www.mlsli.com/unidetailsredo_test.CFM?MLNum=2273137&typeprop=1&start=3&rpp=10

This home is actually one of the highest priced in Selden right now, however it offers more in square footage and land than most listed currently. idk.... I just feel so bad for them right now.

Re: Realtors welcome-Open House ?

Maybe they should do the open houses then....it can't hurt!

It's hard finding buyers sometimes...but let's hope that with the nice weather and summer coming, that they get some buyers soon!

It's great it is on MLS and not an exclusive -- you get tons of exposure that way...you can also post a craisgslist ad for free, but it would have to say obviously that it's in a realty.

Re: Realtors welcome-Open House ?

i wonder if they could rent it out and live with family until someone bought it?
like if they have to move soon, I wonder if that would help if it came to that?

and, BTW, there are countless realtors out there. If the one they have now is not doing what they wish, they might have better luck with someone else.

Message edited 5/4/2010 4:23:35 PM.

Re: Realtors welcome-Open House ?

Thanks!
This is their second realtor. Lisa Jaeger promised 'We WILL sell your house' in her pitch to them and got their hopes up so high. they can move this second if needed. Half of their possesions are already in their Georgia home. they have a home right next door to us. The pictures on the site does not do it justice and these are better pictures from the last realtor.
the people are just not coming

Message edited 5/4/2010 4:27:30 PM.

Re: Realtors welcome-Open House ?

Our buyer came from our first open house with our second realtor.

I am a big believer in a lunch catered broker's open house which is usually durning the week and regular open houses. I would really push for it.

Our first realtor held open houses but nobody, zero people ever showed and I don't think they ever put ad's out. After 6 months we switch and it sold with in a month.

Re: Realtors welcome-Open House ?

I agree with you - the pictures aren't great. Especially the "main" pic. They should change that to a front view. That first picture would turn me off - it looks awkward. And the basement kitchen pic shows too prominently - people may be confusing it with the main kitchen if looking quickly.

Things working against them (IMO):
-the color of the house; superficial yes, but curb appeal sells homes. What is the siding? wood or aluminum?
-it looks dated (particularly the kitchen and carpets)
-taxes are high
-values are low: a quick radius search showed barely anything selling over $300K. While its a larger lot, and a larger house, if the neighborhood doesn't command that kind of value, they're not going to get it. Their neighbors (#26) just sold for $270K (updated 4br col on a smaller lot). 2 other sales on the block are under $200K (smaller houses)

I think if buyers come to the house, they will better appreciate all it has to offer. But that listing is not enticing. I would update the outside pictures (with spring greenery & flowers rather than barren winter views) and change the kitchen pic. Perhaps the realtor can offer an incentive to the selling agents to bring people in...catered lunch open house, $1K bonus if in contract by 6/30, etc. Something to get people in the door.

Good luck to them!

Re: Realtors welcome-Open House ?

Hi Lisa! I was on the phone with my MIL reiterating what was posted here.

The siding is wood. Wood shingles as well on the front. The kitchen is dated, however they refuse to take the brick down because they love it so much (really) they honestly can't afford to put any money into the house. They've done minor upgrades here and there that have made a big difference but that is all they can finacially do at this point.

Re: Realtors welcome-Open House ?

Re: Realtors welcome-Open House ?