Warning - Don't have an open house

As the spring home-buying season heats up, many sellers are considering holding open houses to attract potential buyers. However, experts are warning consumers about the risks associated with this practice. Open houses are a common practice in the real estate industry, where homeowners open their doors to potential buyers to showcase their property. While this may seem like a great way to attract interested buyers, it can also be an open invitation to criminals.

According to recent reports, open houses have resulted in stolen valuables and even murders. Criminals can easily blend in with the crowd, pretending to be prospective buyers, while they scout out the property for valuable items to steal or gather information for future burglaries.
Dennis and Jeanne McGuinn, owners of Realty Broker Direct-McGuinn Realtors, a brokerage founded in 2010 designed to give consumers better representation and lower fees including homebuyer rebates, are urging homeowners to think twice before offering an open house.

"Open houses can be a risk to your safety and your property," says Dennis McGuinn. "We always advise our clients to think carefully before hosting an open house, and we work with them to develop alternative strategies to market their home."

According to a report by ABC News, open houses have been linked to thefts, burglaries, and even murders. Criminals often use the guise of a home tour to gain access to a property and steal valuable items, or even scope out the home for future burglaries.

The McGuinn's suggest hosting private showings for serious buyers only, accompanied by a licensed real estate agent who can verify their identity and pre-approval status. They also recommend using technology such as virtual tours and high-quality photos to showcase the property and attract potential buyers without putting the homeowner at risk.

"Large national real estate franchises heavily push clients to hold open houses as they use the clients' home as a venue to capture buyer leads for other homes," adds Jeanne McGuinn. "But the safety and security of our clients is always our top priority. We want to ensure that homeowners can sell their property without putting themselves or their possessions in danger."

In conclusion, homeowners should carefully consider the risks associated with open houses before deciding to host one. Alternative marketing strategies such as private showings and virtual tours can be just as effective without putting the homeowner at risk. With the help of experienced and knowledgeable real estate agents like Dennis and Jeanne McGuinn, homeowners can successfully sell their property while prioritizing their safety and security.

Dennis & Jeanne McGuinn may be contacted at 610-828-1616