The Reincarnation of Mrs. Howell's House

At 2 pm sharp the first visitor was at the door.  I knew instantly it had to be a neighbor.  As it turned out it was the first of many neighbors in this very closed guarded old Raleigh neighborhood. 

As a Realtor that has done more than one open house, I could tell this couple had lived next door for many years, and I was correct.  Her first words to me were not "Hello"...they were..."We are here to see what you have done to Mrs. Howell's house!"  Being the professional that I am, I welcomed them in to take a look around and ask me any questions they might have about the recent renovation.  It turns out she was most upset that I had painted the stained front door a shade of white and the black shutters a very soft cream.  After a bit of conversation we agreed that she would try to "get used to it".

Such was my day at 4909 Carteret Drive in the Brookhaven area of Raleigh yesterday afternoon. Loads of people coming in and out, lots of compliments on the new kitchen and baths, wall colors, lighting, etc.  The crowd was about a 50/50 mix of potential buyers and neighbors (always good) which I love because neighbors love to pick their own neighbors!  If I said "spread the word" once I said it 100 times!

 Many Realtors will tell you that open houses do not work or that they only work to engage the Realtor with potential new clients.  That does happen on occasion, but I can honestly tell you that many listings have moved off my inventory due to being open and accessible to folks that had not seriously considered moving until they happened to drive by and walk through a home on a Sunday afternoon.

Tip: never try to do an open house in bad weather or during major sporting events.  If you do take a good book to read.

Oh...and Mrs. Howell must have been around...the front door kept slamming shut!  At the end of the event we had a little chat and I think she is good with everything now.  

As always....xx.DT