Are You Ready For Spring Market?

As many areas are starting to thaw from under several feet of snow and frigid temperatures, now that March is here, spring isn't far behind. And with spring, buyers start roaming the countryside, often looking at open houses, deciding if now is the time to buy a home.

I've heard some head-scratching tales from buyers lately about selfish listing agents and I want to share with you some open house strategies that can help you and your sellers achieve your goal of selling their home.

Now I understand that some buyers go to open houses to deal directly with the seller's agent, but you need to verify that they don't really have a buyer's agent, who they mistakenly forget to tell you about.

According to your state's laws, you need to disclose your agency role to the buyer and appropriately assist them.

If they have a buyer's agent, who couldn't attend with them, please honor the agent by calling them after the viewing and let them know of the buyer's interest and have them follow up, so that they can hopefully write an offer on your listing.

I've heard stories where the buyer was told they'd have to write an offer with the listing agent, since their buyer's agent wasn't there. Now I know laws are different everywhere, but if you agree with this situation, are you working in the best interest of your client?

When I'm at an open house, I always ask how they found out about it (usually by the internet or directional signs) and if they're working with a buyer's agent. If they say "YES", I still do everything I can to interest them in my listing, knowing their agent would write up the offer. I do this, because it's my job to get my listing sold!

Also, I take the time to prepare, arrive early to make sure it's in showing condition, host, ask & answer questions and anything else I can do to maximize the open house experience.

I know many agents do open houses just to pick up buyers to work with, but really put some extra effort into it and hopefully you'll be able to sell it.

In 2.5 weeks, our Cincinnati market is holding a city-wide, REALTOR® Super Open House Weekend. I think it's coming just in time for the warmer weather and with 40 days left to apply for the $8,000 tax credit.

If your area isn't doing this, start your open Super Open House Weekend within your company or combine several company's listings and hold them open.

Don't let this important time of year pass without a promotion. You need to get the first-time buyers looking and writing offers, so that the sellers can become move-up buyers.

It's prime selling time!