We have been working on getting this home on the market, but 13 years worth of "stuff" has accumulated at 2414 Lodge Farm Rd. 21219 Baltimore County, Maryland.
As you can see, it is a delightful three bedroom three full bath rancher with a full basement, a shed, and two-car garage. There's lots of room, but it is full of things to be gotten rid of…I mean sold. The seller is planning an estate sale, aka indoor yard sale, garage sale, or whatever you would call it.
There are books and shoes and sheets and pillows, and toys and dishes and glasses and electronics and comic books and furniture...you name it.
So we thought, let's do something a bit different. Let's have a three-day open house. If the estate sale is going on for three full days, there will be people in the house, so why not take advantage of the traffic? Well, why not?
So I am going to post the Open House on the MLS, as well as on Active Rain, running an ad in the newspaper, using local flyers, and putting up "Open House" signs.
First, we want to sell the things in the house, but maybe there will be someone who is interested in purchasing this gem. Paint and carpeting will make this home sparkle.
You may know that I don't do open houses – well, not traditional Sunday open houses. But it won't be the first time I have had an unusual Open House.
Remember the Piggy TRAC Bar B Que Open House! and how about this one, Not Your Every Day Open House , the champagne and popcorn Open House? Those last two sold, and that's the point of trying something a bit unusual. What do I have to do in this market to get the houses sold? First, they must be priced right and then they must be seen! This is just another way of getting more traffic in the property.
This is a very special client whom I met many years ago. I have sold another property for her and we are going to sell this one hopefully with the same amount of luck. Another time I will post the story of this remarkable woman.
So here's your chance to see a not-your-usual Open House and maybe pick up a bargain in the process. We are starting at 7:00 am on Friday, April 3, 8:00am on Saturday, April 4, and 7:00am on Sunday, April 5. Please come join us for this very different Open House. It is going to be a beautiful spring weekend
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410-530-2400
Hi Margaret...How smart to make the most of those three days. Hope both events are successful.
Kate
I like the combined event Margaret of selling other things off while in this series of Open Houses. It might actually draw in more traffic. Good luck with it.
Hi Margaret...Great Idea, Good luck with your Open House, I'm sure you'll sell this Nice home quickly too; and probably a lot of Stuff will get Sold!
Cheers, thanks for sharing :O)
I think it makes sense to market the house during the yard sale. I am waiting for the bank to respond on an offer that we saw during the middle of an estate sale. Why not take advantage of all that extra traffic. Good luck!
Leave it to you to find a way to mix things up. Great idea. Good luck with the sale and open house.
Kate, Thanks for the encouragement.
Gary, It is certainly better than just the 3 P's that most listings get from their agents.
Fred, You are welcome..hope you are right!
Lisa, How about coming over here and writing an offer. Promise a quick response.
Josef, Well hello Birthday Boy! Hope you have had a wonderful day!
Gee, Margaret! And I thought I was the unrivaled Queen of Clutter! Seriously, I think an Open House to coincide with the moving sale could be a terrific idea. People like to see stuff before it's officially listed. It makes them feel special.
Pat, One day I will show you the photos before this house was organized. You will be surprised.
Want to come visit this house over the weekend?
Good luck ~ hope you sell all of the stuff and the house too! I once sold a house at a yard sale!
maragre What a 'out of the box' idea. You are such a special lady and realtor for thinking and doing this. Good luck and let us know how it turned out.
It sounds like a lot of fun and I promise, if I'm in the neighborhood I will drop by......I just don't think I have business up there.
Good luck with it!
Sandy, Thanks. I would like to be able to say that this weekend.
Martha, I am still looking for that box. Thanks for you wonderful words. Would you like to come visit?
Ann, It would be great to meet you. Give me a call so I will make sure I am at the house. Thanks so much.
Margaret, It may not be a "usual" open house but I love long line ranches. It only takes one buyer...with vision! This home is beautiful!
Carole, One buyer is all we need for this rancher. I,too, like long ranchers and call them "forever' houses. The first day of our open house is starting with liquid sunshine!
Margaret, this is a great idea! Make the most of the yard sale. I think it's 6% of the time someone buys a house who already lives in the neighborhood? You might hit the jackpot! There will be plenty of time for neighbors to visit as well as those drawn by the yard sale.
Frank and Sharon, It has been a successful first day, starting with a huge amount of rain before noon. I think this might just catch on.
If that's not enough to sell your listing, I don't know what it is. I'm about to take a listing on the same street where I have another, so I may arrange a blitz open house as well. :) You have such great ideas, Margaret.
This sounds like a winner... and a great idea at that. Hope all goes well for you and the seller.
Elizabeth, The opportunity was there. The seller did all the work. I will be doing a running post about these 3 days. Thank you. Having it in the MLS with open house for 3 days...hoping that brings in the buyer and agents. I have a pre-printed contract when it happens.
Joan, Will try almost anything to move these homes. I am fortunate to have a really good seller. We have become friends over the years.
So, did it sell during the three days it was open?
Evelyn, This post was written on April 1st and it settled on June 4th. Here is the link:
2414 Lodge Farm Rd. 21219 Baltimore County, Maryland.