The Real Estate Industry is abuzz likes never before. So many topics to discuss.  Of course, where we see both the national and local markets heading is top o’ the list.

But there’s always one debate that sparks controversy among my peers.  Open Houses.  Friend or Foe.  Do they really work?

The conversations are usually pretty similar.  Agent A swears by the “Open House”- Not only does it give his/her clients the piece of mind that their agent is working diligently towards getting their home sold, it also provides the said agent with the opportunity to meet new clients (buyers).

Agent B has a completely different outlook and will argue his/ her case to Agent A all day long.  ”Open Houses” are a waste of time to this agent.  In the technology driven world we live, along with the “new” real estate market we’ve been presented, it’s just not conducive to Agent B’s business plan.  Agent B will tell their client(s) in a minute that Open Houses just don’t work.  They don’t sell homes and are a waste of time.

I think both agents have great points.  I’ve held open houses that drew crowds of qualified buyers. I’ve even sold a home or two at an Open….

I’ve also had Open Houses that were complete failures.  Sending my Sellers away for the afternoon only to sit on their sofa and get some work on the laptop done.  Never seeing a soul.

There are so many alternatives to the Open House of the past nowadays.  Buyers can log on their computers and see professionally done “Virtual Tours” of perspective homes in the Greater Las Vegas Valley at 3 am. Make decisions quickly-  see unlimited numbers of properties in mere minutes.

I’m a strong believer/ advocate of technology.  I think I’m a pretty progressive Real Estate Professional. I dedicate a block of time each day specifically for Internet updating.  Whether it be on my blog, twitter, facebook, linkedin- or one of the other many internet based sites I spend time- I understand its extreme value to my clients and me.

I know for a fact that this is where the Real Estate Business is headed- full on.  Younger generations of buyers are looking for facts and information.  Right Now. They’ve been brought up to understand the time-saving benefits, as well as the (in many cases) unbiased resources available to them.  All happening before they even change out of their jammies.

That leads me back to this posts title though.  Do prospective buyers still want to see, touch, and feel? Even after all the “virtual tours” and research has been done online?

I still sway towards the “yes”. As a realtor, my time is valuable.  I do everything I can to manage the moments of my day with extreme accuracy.  And I also never lose site of who makes my career what it is.  My client.

So, my opinion goes like this (and, of course, it’s just my opinion)….

I owe my client(s) due diligence.  I offer to do whatever I can (within legal means, of course ) to get their home sold.  Even in today’s “NEW” Real Estate Market, the Three P’s still hold true- Price, Presentation and Promotion.  I feel that although the number of prospects might be lower than in earlier times, there still are folks out there who might just want to SEE, TOUCH and FEEL.

So, for me, if it’s blocking out a few hours on said day to hold an Open House, that’s what I’m going to do.  If no one shows, I still have my mighty laptop to get the “New Age” stuff done… I still have my blackberry- not an ounce of communication missed.

And heck, who knows… The right person might just walk in the door…

As always, if you have any questions about  selling or purchasing a home in the Las Vegas Valley, please give me a call-

Talk Soon,

Heidi Griffith
Your Las Vegas Realtor® for Life!
Realty One Group
702-540-0420

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