In South Carolina and throughout the country, the real estate market is booming. There are numerous ways to draw attention to a home that’s for sale, such as posting pictures and well-written descriptions online. Another means for reaching many people at once is to host an open house. Hosting an open house can attract interest from prospective buyers, and, if executed well, it might lead to several offers on a home.
If a specific house is unique in some way, especially in comparison to other homes in the area, hosting an open house is a great way to let others know what makes this particular house so special. If the house you’re listing on the market is located near an area that gets a lot of vehicle or foot traffic, there’s a better chance that people will stop by when you open the doors to the public.
Is your house a “hot house?”
As real estate agents, we often recognize when a particular home is going to be a “big seller.” This is sometimes referred to in the industry as a “hot house.” If you’re selling a “hot house,” you might consider hosting an open house because it can increase the chances of getting it under contract without spending a lot of time on the market.
When is the best time to host an open house?
The simple answer to this question is, “on a weekend.” It doesn’t make much sense to host an open house in the middle of a work week, when doing so will no doubt limit traffic significantly because most people will not be available to attend. However, during a weekend, people who are searching for a new home often block out hours or full days to tour homes.
If you’re hosting an open house on a Sunday, it’s best to begin at noon because many people go to church or sleep in earlier in the day. It’s also a good idea to provide simple finger foods and beverages, especially for those who might show up right after morning services with their stomachs growling!
Always advertise an open house well in advance
Last-minute advertising is likely going to be enough to draw a lot of traffic to your open house, although you do want to send out reminders close to the actual date. It’s best to start advertising several weeks in advance, especially when using MLS or other online systems to get the word out.
You can also use social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram or TikTok to let people know that you’re hosting an open house in the near future. If you’re working with a listing agent, ask for recommendations on how to boost curb appeal and to make your open house the best that it can be to generate offers.