Nick Blog's the World!

Some home sellers feel look at an open house as a disturbance and doubt very much that a real buyer will stop in. Yes, I know that there will be neighbors who want to see the home as well as people looking for decorating ideas. Also, in many years (35) of selling real estate I have only sold two homes the day a prospect walked into my open house.

I now view an open house as an educational oppertunity. A chance to tell all who visit, what is actually happening in the market place. Many people now are shopping price, looking for what I call "instant gratification in home buying".

Personal goals, future neighborhood trends, future area employment, plus a lot of other factors make up an intelligent decision. I try to share all this information at an open house; neighbors can refer others to a home, as can people that are not really in the market.

We are in the people business and sharing information during an open house can result in the sale of that home from a referral made by a visitor.

What have you lost? I still find myself asking that question of clients. I don't believe that we have bottom out, price wise, in the Phenix metro area. Unless they have purchased a home in the last three to four years, most homes, if sold in today's  market, will not result in a loss.

The real hurt comes to those that bought a home three years ago, at the top of the market and now have lost their job. I assumed a new role with those folks and try to help them look at other ways of cutting expenses and other ways of earning an income so we can help them keep their homes.

We have to wear many different hats and becoming a caring friend seems to be my major role. All of us in Real estate and real estate related industries have to change our perspective and our job description.

Helping people and mainting neighborhood values should always be at the top of our to do list.