Open House in Rain or Shine?
Obviously there are many advantages to having an open house when it is sunny outside but there are also some advantages when it is raining.
When it is sunny
This is the easy part. When the sun is shining and the blue sky glistens off your freshly mowed grass, it’s the perfect setting to host an open house. When the weather is nice out everyone is out of their houses and wanting to do things. Your house looks better, the yard seems friendlier and people seem to be in an overall better mood. You can show many of your features of your home. Air conditioner can be on and working, pool can be open and crystal clear and you can have things set up on the deck for entertaining. All these things can make a big difference in your open house setting. You can have windows and doors open and have fresh air and a nice breeze throughout your home during the day. You should always put a big effort into your open house. Too many times you go through an open house and it is too standard. You always want your home to stand out from everyone else’s that day. Even how you are dressed, how you act and most of all, how you interact with your potential buyers.
When it’s raining
When it is raining, it is definitely a downer when it comes to hosting an open house. However, there are three very good reasons to not cancel your open house when the weather isn’t as optimal as you may like. The first reason is that the people who are going to trudge through the weather and make it to your open house are more serious buyers. They have made a commitment to come to your open house and view it. We call these smart buyers. (Link)
The second reason is that when it is raining you can show some of the good features of your home. A cozy fireplace that you leave on, the great way your home stands up to the weather. Buyers can see the gutters are working, roof is not leaking and windows are sealing properly. All these things are positive when you are trying to sell your home. The third reason is that you will have more time with each potential buyer as they walk through your home. There is nothing more important than being there to answer any questions the people may have about your home. Have you ever been in a store and stood around waiting for someone to help you? We have all been frustrated at some point with the lack of service somewhere. Always make yourself available and touch base with everyone who comes through your home. You can answer all the questions needed and maybe turn someones negative thoughts into positive ones. If a potential buyer leaves your home with a negative thought about your home, there is no chance they are going to put an offer in to buy your home.
Whether you are hosting your open house when it is raining or when the sun is shining, remember to concentrate your efforts on the positive things about your home. Focus on all the things your home has to offer, no matter what mother nature has to offer and you may be surprised and get an offer.