Do you miss Sunday open houses as a way of promoting listings?

A:

Real estate is such a social business that not being able to meet facetoface with buyers and sellers is difficult.

Open houses have been a staple in our business for years and good agents are able to meet new clients at Sunday open houses.

I believe a lot of people just liked going out on a Sunday afternoon for pleasure, even if they were not in the market for a home. Through the years, the same people would come to all my open houses. I called them my “Sunday friends,” because I wouldn’t see them except for Sunday opens.

It is a way to really connect with your community in an easy, nonpressured way. Many times I would talk with guests at my open house about everything except real estate.

The virtual viewing of homes today does not give you the textured experience of the property and how it “feels,” but we are all doing the best we can in this environment.

I know many agents really miss that Sunday afternoon experience — I know I do — and cannot wait to start them again.

Anian Pettit Tunney, the Grubb Co., 5109287447, tunney@grubbco.com.

A:

The lack of open houses has not hurt sellers of singlefamily dwellings one bit, with online photos and videos taking the place of open houses. In San Francisco, the median sales price for singlefamily residence increased $131,000 between 2019 and 2020 and in Alameda County, the median price jumped by $178,500.

I sympathize with the buyers. They have spent hours pouring over photos and videos, analyzing disclosure packages, and with no open houses have finally landed a 30minute appointment to actually walk through the property only to be told by their Realtor they will need to pay $200,000 to $300,000 above the listing price if they want it. Ouch.

The condo market has not fared as well, particularly units in highrises where waits for elevators due to social distancing can be annoying, many amenities are closed. But that too is starting to change as those outpriced from singlefamily residences are taking a second look.

Astrid Lacitis, Vanguard Properties, 4158600765, astrid@vanguardsf.com.

A:

The pandemic has certainly altered the way we as agents have conducted our business over the last 11 months, with the absence of open houses being one of the more noticeable and widespread changes for not only us but also buyers and sellers alike.

Do I miss the almost automatic promo effect that open houses gave us? Well, yes of course.

Traditionally open houses have been an easy — albeit not always the most efficient — way to generate exposure, measure demand, and ideally attract as much qualified interest in your client’s property as possible. However, I think the most significant reminder that this postpandemic way of doing things has shown us, is just how valuable access and visibility are to this business and marketplace. I’m excited for the day that racing across town on broker’s tour returns. Until then please send me your PEAD (price elasticity of demand).

Kate Stephenson, Sotheby’s International Realty, 4153706531, kate.stephenson@sothebys.realty.