Forum Topic

Selling property- Open Days - good idea or bad idea?

I'd really appreciate any feedback from people who have used an Open Day to help sell their house or flat.  Is it a good idea or a bad idea in terms of selling the property quickly and at the highest possible price?

Colin Richards ● 3392d19 Comments

When I was looking at flats with my daughter, we grew to loathe open days: they are stressing for the purchaser and uncomfortable. If busy, you can't see properly.I certainly wouldn't offer on the basis of only an open day viewing so it could increase the visit load. Also anyone can and does walk in - you don't need any serious intent at all to wander in off the street.I wouldn't buy a place if that was the only way of seeing it.

Sara Nathan ● 3381d

Thank you Harry.

Penelope Crocker ● 3383d

Hi, rather not say as its advertising and they dont advertise on ealingtoday.co.ukThey are on the list here T http://www.which.co.uk/money/mortgages-and-property/guides/how-to-sell-your-house/online-estate-agents/

Harry Jay ● 3384d

Hi Harry. Our house is our only pension too. Would be interested to know which online site you used? Thanks

Penelope Crocker ● 3385d

That property was my pension.Ended up sacking the estate agent but during viewings quiet a few buyers asked about getting planning permission and consents for a loft extension.So i got planning permission and all necessary consents for a loft conversion (being a flat its a little involved).Advertised the property on an online site,did own photos,walk through video,sold without any viewings (sold over skype) within 24 hours.Got £8.5k above estate agents advertised price and saved £8k on agents fees.Now moving from my permanent ealing property but not selling,have been dealing with a property developer for over a year,exchanged ealing flat for 2 seaside (off plan)flats,move in date brought forward 4 weeks so soon to join the LbExit.

Harry Jay ● 3385d

Interesting, thanks.  So did you sell your house through the open day, and did you get the price you wanted?

Colin Richards ● 3386d

The last place i sold the agent insisted on an open day for bulk viewings. fair enough.Gave keys to agent and told them we will be back this evening and post keys through letter box when finished.The agents rep just met the interested buyers at the front door and told them to go in and have a look around.During the open day we stayed at my neighbours and could see people arrive and go,agent stayed at the front door all the time.Next day we asked for feed back re the open day and were told that 4 couples 1 family and 2 investors visited our property.Umm lucky there is a specsavers close to us.

Harry Jay ● 3386d

Thanks Susan, yes indeed, it sounds good, but of course it depends how many people the estate agent can get to come along.  I've yet to hear any feedback on here from anyone who's tried it.  Anyone out there want to tell us about it?

Colin Richards ● 3386d

An open house, if well attended, shows would-be buyers that there's competition and may help to make their minds up and hurry them along.

Susan Kelly ● 3388d

That's what we thought Lee.

Colin Richards ● 3388d

Thanks Harry.

Colin Richards ● 3388d

Penelope, I'm not planning to put the house on the market till December at the earliest, so I'm afraid I can't give you any insight at the moment into how the market is. Agents say it's slowed down after the Brexit vote, so we'll have to wait and see...

Colin Richards ● 3388d

Good point, thanks.

Colin Richards ● 3388d

But an open day means many people in one sitting which can be convenient as to many viewings at all times of the day/evening over a longer period.

Lee Page ● 3389d

No, tell the estate agent to show prospective buyers around as soon as possible. Thats what you pay them for.The open house idea is great for lazy estate agents.Or sell via an online agent and save your self a tidy packet.

Harry Jay ● 3391d

As far as I know, there's still a shortage of family homes coming on the market, so if that's what you're selling then an open day may well get a buyer quickly and at the best price.

Susan Kelly ● 3392d

I think I'd give it a try - although as a buyer I'd find it off-putting. Would be really interested to know how it goes though if you do do it. Also, how is the local property market? (I'd like a seller's opinion - not an estate agent's)

Penelope Crocker ● 3392d

Thanks for the advice Lee.  Opinions online seem to vary widely!

Colin Richards ● 3392d

I'd say it's an ideal way, lots of potential buyers condensed into a short time, if you have a few nibbles of the line then you get people outbidding themselves, more tokens for you.

Lee Page ● 3392d