Dick Reedy, CRS, GRI
L.W. Reedy Real Estate

An open house allows the listing agent to present his/her marketing skills one more way. Certainly, any guest to the open house has the opportunity to touch and feel the property. Shouldn’t this be one more way to market the property? Would it not be a possibility to encourage an offer? Can anyone quarrel with the thought that this would be one more service delivered by the listing agent? I say it’s time to excel.

Laura C. Wolfe, BROKER ASSOC.
New West Realty

Even though people are relying on the Internet more to help them locate their perfect property, open houses are still necessary. Viewing a property in person gives the buyer an overall sense of the home in a way that photos and virtual tours alone cannot. Open houses also attract buyers driving through the neighborhood who may have overlooked the property while searching online.

Monica Childs, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Winnetka North

Yes, open houses are still extremely relevant even with the Internet. For buyers searching online, pictures often don’t do a home justice. When you physically visit a home you get a feel for the neighborhood and its proximity to places of interest. As an agent, it’s a chance to meet buyers in person, make a connection with them, and hopefully gain a new client.

Nancy Hammock, Realtor
RE/MAX Properties

Open houses are no longer necessary. They are just one tool out of many to sell a home. In today’s Internet world we have virtual tours to satisfy buyers. When someone is ready to see the property, they can make an appointment for a showing. Safety and security are two other important considerations. Are open houses safe? Probably not. Many of my clients are relieved that they don’t have strangers going through their home. I still do open houses, but only at my client’s request.