In this week’s “Ask Sharon,” I advise a seller who is wondering if they can avoid hosting an open house after they list their home for sale. 

Dear Sharon,

I am thinking of selling my house, but there’s one hold-up that I just can’t get past. The problem is my super nosy and judgmental neighbors. I already know they’ll be buzzing about how much my home is listed or sold for. I really want to avoid them coming into my house, but I know that anyone is invited to enter during an open house.

My question is, As a seller, Can I avoid having an open house? Or is there any other way I can ensure that my neighbors don’t enter my for-sale home?

Signed,

Stumped but ready to sell

Dear Stumped,

Oh dear. I can sense that these neighbors are a particularly annoying bunch, and I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with them for so long.

First, I’ll say that a seller is never required to do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. I’ve had sellers who require me to be at every single home showing (rather than allowing buyers to enter with the help of a lockbox). And I’ve had luxury home sellers who request that each buyer show that they are pre-approved for the house before entering. I’ve also had sellers with young children who can only accommodate showings during certain time frames. When at all possible, I do my very best to work with my sellers and accommodate their specific needs and desires.

So, the simplest answer to your question is that you do NOT have to approve an open house into the listing and marketing plan that we’ll develop together. With a little extra work, we can avoid having an open house as you sell your home.

How to avoid having an open house as a seller

However, if that is how you wish to proceed, then I’ll be sure to work overtime. We’ll want to ensure that the highest number of potential buyers are seeing your house online.  Many open house attendees are “looky-loos” — including folks from the neighborhood who have no intention of buying, or early-stage buyers who aren’t ready to make a move. But others are taking advantage of being able to see many houses in the course of one day, without having to make private appointments.

On some occasions, “nosy neighbors” visit a nearby home out of curiosity and then share how great it is with friends and family… possibly (albeit rarely) bringing a buyer to the home! However, if you’re not comfortable with an Open House, we will focus on strategies that you are comfortable with.

To pique interest in your home, I will:

• Run targeted advertisements on social media and top home search portals
• Create a personalized blog for your home that can be shared on different sites
• Utilize professional photography and floorplans to show your home in the best “digital light”
• Create distinct property walk through videos so that buyers can get the full picture of the home, its layout and best features
• Send out direct mail marketing pieces to potential local buyers
• Send out email blasts about your property to local realtors

And, I’ll also host what’s called a “broker open,” which is a private, invite-only event where real estate professionals can tour the house. Typically, broker opens occur on weekdays when both the seller and potential buyers are working. Agents and brokers can tour the house. Then, they report back to their clients about a brand-new property that just hit the market. It’s truly a win-win for everyone!

Keep in mind that as we sell your house, it’ll likely be in its best shape in years! By taking on small improvement projects like painting and landscaping, you may end up feeling a new, unexpected pride in the property. And you may decide that you don’t mind hosting an open house, even if it does mean that this group of neighbors will come to poke around. Whatever you choose, just know that I’m behind you all the way.

Let’s stay in your comfort zone

In summary, I want to reinforce that as your REALTOR®, I’ll always follow your lead. I’ll never ask you to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. I’ll encourage open and honest communication on both ends. Whether it’s playing defense against nasty, gossipy neighbors or helping you to determine the right price for much-beloved home, I’m always on your team.

With great affection,

Sharon

P.S. If you have a real estate question of your own, feel free to reach out! I am happy to help!