Buyers will be able to view a real showcase of homes for sale in any region they pick, at any time that suits them, creating a more relaxed and fun experience, the company said.
The initiative started in 2009 with just one Strutt & Parker office in Kent. This year it involves all the regional offices. Last year’s event was a huge success with over 2,000 viewings taking place and offers of over £50 million total being received. There were 825 properties available for people to view on the day.
The open house initiative creates a more informal atmosphere for viewing houses as well as generating more activity and hopefully faster and more concrete offers for sellers in this somewhat nervous and indecisive market.
Participating properties are open to view between 10.30am and 3pm and buyers who are registered can just turn up as and when they wish to look around with no pressure from agents.
‘In the current market this event really creates a buzz that actually makes a difference and should guarantee results. In August, one particular house, for example, had a record breaking 50 viewings. This kind of thing would never occur normally so the Open House Day effectively fast forwarded the sales process, producing quicker sales,’ said Michael Fiddes of Strutt & Parker.
‘Currently the market is seeing a lot of activity but the number of actual deals being done is still low. There seems to be a real stumbling block with producing genuine offers and then closing the deal. Open House Day should be particularly effective at helping to bring all the right ingredients together to culminate in positive results,’ he explained.
The company has found that sellers find the day of benefit as well as buyers. Increased advertising and promotion in national and local publications in the lead up draw considerably more attention to all houses partaking in the scheme, as well as actual viewings on the day.
‘It is a really good incentive to put your house on the market and to get ahead of the summer market especially in the difficult market conditions. This will put your property in the best possible position with the most chance of serious buyers coming through the door and making serious offers,’ added Fiddes.
