Thinking outside the Box: Realtors Look for Creative Ways to Sell Homes during Slump

Connecticut agents serve up entertainment
Connecticut agents serve up entertainment

RISMEDIA, December 1, 2006?(MCT)?Not long ago simply putting a “For Sale” sign in the front yard was enough to sell a house?often in a matter of weeks, if not days.

The cooling housing market, however, has put the days of bidding wars and inflated asking prices in the past?at least for the time being.

Realtors are increasingly turning to non-traditional means to drum up interest in the houses they represent. For some, such as Christel Rooney, that means taking a different look at the time-honored Open House.

Traditionally held on a weekend afternoon, Rooney has scheduled an Open House; as an added twist, the house will also feature the artwork of Connecticut photographer Nina Pomeroy, making the event an Open House/Art Show.

“We’re trying to come up with some unique ideas to market homes because the housing market has slowed,” said Rooney of Connecticut Prudential Realty. “I think more of these types of things will happen as the market remains slow. You have to be creative and also keep up the level of service.”

Newbridge International Realty of Stamford is taking a similar approach to a group of homes it is representing in Norwalk. The company will hold a “Twilight Open House”, at the model home of a seven-house subdivision being built. The company hopes food, drinks and music will attract a number of Realtors, lawyers, and potential buyers to the homes, which will each sell for approximately $1 million.

“Essentially it will be a cocktail party,” said Jarah Tuttle of Newbridge International Realty. “The market has slowed so you have to come up with different ways to promote your products.”

Sometimes the ideas come up at unexpected places. Rooney and Pomeroy have daughters who take ballet class together. From their chance meeting, they set up this Thursday’s Open House/Art Show. The seller’s artwork will be replaced by Pomeroy’s photography, much of which will be for sale. Rooney said the sellers are happy to be taking part in such an event.

“Exposure is a good thing for a home on the market,” Rooney said.

For more information, visit www.ninapomeroy.com.