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Sellers all across the country are faced with 3 major obstacles in this market when it comes to getting their homes sold. 

1. High market times. 

2. Declining prices.

3. A large inventory of homes to compete with.

One of the most difficult questions I come across during a listing appointment is… How many open houses are you going to hold to sell my house?  I take a deep breath because I know they are not going to like my response.   The answer is, zero.  (okay, I will occasionally make exceptions…)

BUT:

Open Houses are 110% a waste of time unless you don’t mind me borrowing your house to get cozy on the couch with a good book, escape my kids and husband for 3 hours, and then maybe if I’m really lucky, be able to pick up a new prospect in the market to purchase a home (and not necessarily yours) … and then again that probably won’t happen either.  In all honesty though, there is a high likelyhood that your Open House will be a total bust. I’m just sayin…

All joking aside though, I have to say though that safety is the #1 reason I no longer host open houses.  In the last 20 years over 200 real estate agents have been murdered, robbed, raped, and assaulted showing homes to strangers.  Sellers also have to worry about prospective buyers showing up at their front door without an appointment, or their Realtor.  This is especially true for FSBO homes when the seller doesn’t have anyone looking out for them. 

The truth is that statistically 82% of all home buyers begin their search for a new home on the Internet.   MLS based search sites include up to 9 additional interior photos of the house in addition to the ability to add a virtual tour to the listing.  Illinois Home searches like the MLS search I have here on my website let you search by specific criteria and locations to narrow your new home search down from the comfort of your own home.

A Brokers Tour, or Brokers Open House, have a much higher chance of attracting a buyer to your property through the assistance of an Illinois Realtor who has visited your property than a traditional Sunday 1-4 pm, Realtor hosted Open House.  

The best thing about a Brokers Tour is that only licensed real estate agents have access to the property and chances are, they are at least working with a few buyers who are considering a home in your area. They are usually held during the day, sometime during the week, and you don’t have to seek refuge away from home on your day off!

Instead of wasting money on gas, driving from one Open House to another this weekend, call me to set up a few private showings of some homes that meet your criteria.  I guarantee it will be a better use of your time, and who knows… you just might find the house of your dreams ☺

~Julie
I always answer my phone!
630-673-6233