Question about open house...

our house is on the market (not LI, northern westchester/lower putnam.) Anyway the realtor asked me to do an open house. So we reluctantly agreed because I don't care for them, but we want to do everything we can to try to sell the house. So I call her this morning (our open house was this afternoon) and to ask her to put the signs on the 3 main entrances to my neighborhood. She said she only has 2 signs and she wasn't planning on putting them on the main roads that lead into the development because most people coming are going to see the open house adverstised online and have the directions, but I tell her I want to get traffic off of the main road as well. Well seeing as she only has 2 signs, she said she will put one on the main road, one on my corner and then won't have one for the house. I didn't care about the house because we are the only house for sale and the sign should give it away - just put balloons on our for sale sign. She said they have no balloons. I know it sounds trivial, but really? She planned this open house a month ago. I feel like why bother....

Am I wrong for being mad at her??? I feel like she was unprepared and to make me leave the house for 3 hours and not properly advertise it is wrong and a waste of my time. I also have 2 small kids - one that lost his nap because we were out of the house.

Re: Question about open house...

I would be annoyed with that as well. We just put our home on the market today. However if I knew she did not have balloons I would have gone out and purchased two of them to tie to your mail box. But yeah I would be annoyed. Also, we were looking at homes and absolutely followed the signs from the main roads so she is 100% wrong. Not everyone will look on line. We were already out looking and saw other homes in the neighborhood that way today.

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I get SO much traffic at open houses from signs. We aim to put out 8 signs for every open house and we tie two yellow balloons to every big sign that we use at major intersections (so it's eye catching from the main roads) and a single balloon to the smaller signs we have on smaller residential streets.

I did two open houses this weekend, and yesterday we had 7 people (couples, families) that came in from signs alone, and today I had 5.

Not sure why your agent would hesitate to put out signs, assuming there are no restrictions in your town on doing so. As an agent, I know that I like to do everything I can to drive traffic through open houses, not only to benefit my sellers, but honestly, to make it worth MY time. No agent should want to sit at an open house for hours and have no one show.

But if it makes you feel better, a lot of times, the buyers that come to open houses from internet and other forms of advertising are often the more serious buyers. They know the list price of the house and other information (# of beds, baths, etc.); whereas the sign followers have no idea if the house would fit their criteria until they go in and check it out.

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I am really sorry to hear that. I too did the decluttering, staging and all the research so I understand where you are coming from. I hope we both have great buyers. I feel like my house is priced competitively. We had three realtors come by to give us their opinions and all three gave me the same price range. I hope I am being realistic. We are taking a big loss but I know that I will get a much bigger home at a huge discount - one I could not have afforded 6 years ago. I just hope that this will carry me through.

Re: Question about open house...

I am sorry you are having a tough time selling. We are in the same boat. And I don't love our realtor either. And like you I feel like I am doing a lot of the work. Mine can't even keep track of who has come and seen the house. So frustrating.

As for the signs. They don't do that in my neighborhood. Not sure if it is because it is not allowed or what. They advertise it and put a sign on the front lawn during the open house (we aren't allowed to have a for sale sign on the lawn)

Re: Question about open house...

everyone who came to my open house yesterday said they saw the signs and ballons I put out!

I always start on a main road and work my way in to the house

if I am going to spend my afternoon at an open house- you better believe everyone is going to be able to find and know I am there

I had everyone sign in - and I will be following up

Re: Question about open house...

Christine/Beth I wish you ladies worked out here! I'm so frustrated

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I know! I'd love to help you.

Did you sign a long-term contract with your agent?

If I were you, I'd sit down with your agent (or at least get her on the phone) and explain that you are unhappy with the level of service you are getting and tell her exactly why.

This agent should know how to conduct an open house, but unfortunately, some agents lack training (and common sense!) and others are just lazy, so you have to push them to do what they should be doing as a matter of course.

I would let her know that you expect her to come prepared and on time for open houses, put out a minimum of x signs with balloons, sign people in, follow up with open house customers, etc. Just lay out your expectations in ALL areas. And I would press her to find out what she is doing to market your home (exactly), and if you want her to do more, ask! I know you said your house is priced well and shows well, but isn't getting much activity, so you and your agent should be working together to figure out what the issue is and to solve it.

But at least if you lay out what you expect her to be doing, you are taking control and being proactive. And I would let her know that if things don't improve, you will go to her broker or manager if necessary.

This is a huge transaction for you, I am sure, so you should feel confident in your agent and the services she's providing. Hang in there!