Biggest Sunday of the Season for Open Houses?
This Year Better Make That, “May 4”
In a typical Minnesota Spring housing market, the biggest Sunday of the year for open houses is usually the Sunday after Easter.
That’s because there’s a predictable bounce-back after a two-week lull during the peak of the season.
And then there’s this year.
With gusting wind and torrential rains locally, the turnout at today’s opens was underwhelming.
In fact, my first open house at the peak of the storm was almost a complete washout; the second later in the afternoon fared much better.
Quality > Quantity? Maybe . . .
While inclement weather typically depresses turnout, Realtor conventional wisdom is that the people who do show up are especially motivated.
Maybe, maybe not.
In my experience, the most motivated, qualified Buyers . . . arrange to see homes during the week with their Realtors at private showings.
Even better: Buyers’ agents who arrange to meet their clients at homes debuting on Broker Tour that week (held each Tuesday in the Twin Cities).
The corollary to the above?
Most of the traffic at weekend opens — even in bad weather — usually consists of less motivated Buyers, early stage Buyers . . . or both.
“Weather Snark”
You know the delayed Spring is taking its toll when even the bland extended weather forecast is laced with — shall we say — “attitude.”
From today’s Star Tribune:
Today: rainy, windy, and foul
Monday: more rain. Feels like early March
Tuesday: storm stalls, more rain
Wednesday: rain may mix with wet snow. Enjoy.
You get the idea . . .
