Open home event spikes interest – there is a market! 

Each year we aim to bring to the table an “open home event,” over the years we have learnt so much from the market when hosting these.  We learn what is really going on with people, often ahead of them coming to market and making a move.  Over the weekend, Armitstead Barnett opened up 43 homes and created 121 viewings across the 4 offices.  We have also seen offers being made and market appraisals being booked across the board.
 
From speaking with many potential buyers and vendors across the weekend, we have noticed a quiet confidence in the market, albeit buyers behaving with more caution than the dizzy heights of the couple of years post covid.  The curious nature of many potential vendors and buyers has been seen this weekend, the market is there when people are given the right assurances and advice.
 
In Rightmove’s latest House Price update, they have reported prices increasing by 1.8% and buyer demand down by 1%… to me the two things appear to contradict each other.  Prices appear to be holding, the market has lost the intense heat we saw a couple of years ago.  I describe it to clients as the market “normalising,” giving everyone a chance to think, breathe and make sensible decisions – a market many people like being in.
 
It’s time for estate agents to roll up their sleeves, ensure incredible marketing and properly priced properties, making sure vendors are advised on how is best to achieve their objectives.  Whether a vendor is looking to move quickly or is in less of a rush, the conversations around instruction are important so that everyone is crystal clear, the service should then continue throughout the process where the strength and knowledge of the whole team will be imperative to getting the result buyers are looking for.
 
We absolutely love selling rural, village and high end homes