Are open houses worth it in today’s market? Learn how Phoenix Realtor Angelo Sbrocca sells homes faster with proactive strategies beyond the open house.

The truth is, when you want to sell your house in Phoenix, you have likely heard the same thing over and over again: put it on the MLS, have a couple of open houses, and perhaps some posts on social media. Although these are the basic components of any effective marketing strategy, I am here to inform you that in the current dynamic real estate market, whether it is a hot market or a cooling market, sitting and waiting to get an offer is not only inefficient, but it is a disservice to your most valuable asset.

I am Angelo Sbrocca, a realtor in Phoenix, AZ, and I have made my reputation not only on selling homes, but on selling them actively and strategically. In a competitive market where every edge is important, passive marketing is tantamount to leaving money on the table. I am not a traditionalist and my strategy is proactive and I have a good grasp of human psychology in real estate deals.

Are Open Houses Worth It? The Problem with “Just Waiting”

Most real estate agents do exactly that: list your home, put a sign in the yard, and then wait for the phone to ring. They hope an open house draws a crowd, or that the MLS listing magically attracts the perfect buyer. While this can work in a wildly booming market, it leaves too much to chance. In a competitive environment, or when inventory levels are high, “waiting” often translates to extended market times, price reductions, and ultimately, a less favorable outcome for you, the seller.

My philosophy is different. I believe in active engagement, strategic outreach, and a relentless pursuit of every potential opportunity to get your home sold at the best possible price. I don’t just market; I maneuver.

Beyond the MLS: My Proactive Selling Strategies

Of course, we’ll leverage the power of the MLS, high-quality photography, and targeted social media campaigns. These are non-negotiable baselines. But here’s where my approach deviates and delivers real results:

1. Direct Outreach & Networking: I don’t just broadcast; I target. I actively reach out to my extensive network of agents, investors, and potential buyers who might be looking for a home exactly like yours. This often involves personal calls, emails, and direct introductions – not just a blast to a general list. Many homes are sold “off-market” or through direct connections before they even hit the broader public, simply because an agent knew who to call.
2. Highlighting “Hidden Gems” & Lifestyle: Every home has unique selling points, but too often, listings focus only on specs. I delve deeper. What’s the lifestyle this home offers? Is it the quiet cul-de-sac, the vibrant neighborhood feel, the proximity to specific amenities (trails, restaurants, schools)? We craft narratives that resonate emotionally with buyers, showcasing the experience of living in your home, not just its features.
3. Proactive Buyer Agent Engagement: This is a crucial element that sets me apart. I foster strong relationships with other buyer agents in the Phoenix area. When a buyer’s agent shows one of my listings, I don’t just wait for an offer. I engage. I follow up diligently and directly, asking for candid feedback. This isn’t just about knowing if they liked it; it’s about understanding the buyer’s true sentiment.

My Signature “Counter Offer” Technique: Turning Interest into Action

Here’s a specific, proven strategy that illustrates my proactive selling philosophy and why you should hire me:

Many agents, particularly those newer to the industry or lacking negotiation prowess, can be hesitant. They might have a client who expresses mild interest in your home but then gets cold feet about making an offer, fearing it’s too low and won’t be accepted, or perhaps they’re asking for too many concessions. The buyer’s agent, in turn, might not want to write up an offer they perceive as “dead on arrival,” or one that might frustrate their client. This is where opportunities are missed by most.

When a buyer’s agent shows one of my listings and gets back to me, even if their client was remotely interested – perhaps they liked the backyard but not the kitchen, or the location but not the price – I will then go back to you, my seller, and share what I know and see if you would be interested in doing a “Counter Offer” to this potential prospect buyer.

You might be thinking, “A counter offer without an offer?” Yes, precisely.

Why would I do this?

Because there are so many novice real estate agents who are not that sharp. They won’t even write up an offer because they fear it’s too low, or their buyer is asking for too much, or they simply lack the confidence to push forward. They let “remotely interested” turn into “never heard from again.”

My technique is designed to re-engage that potential buyer and their agent. Imagine this scenario:

• A buyer’s agent shows your home.
• Their client likes parts of it but is hesitant to offer, perhaps over a perceived price issue or a minor flaw.
• The buyer’s agent relays this lukewarm feedback to me.
• Instead of shrugging, I discuss it with you. We might craft a “pre-emptive counter offer.” This isn’t a binding offer, but more of a strategic proposal. It might acknowledge a perceived flaw (e.g., “We understand the kitchen needs updating, which is why we’re open to a credit of X for appliances”) or suggest a slight price adjustment to bring them closer to where we believe they’d be comfortable.

This technique is a game-changer because:

• It demonstrates our proactivity: It shows the buyer and their agent that we’re serious, flexible, and actively working to make a deal happen.
• It overcomes agent inertia: It gives the hesitant buyer’s agent something concrete to present to their client, often sparking renewed interest and engagement. It takes the pressure off them to “convince” their client to write a “risky” offer.
• It starts a negotiation: Even if our “pre-offer counter” isn’t exactly what they want, it gets the conversation flowing. It turns passive interest into an active dialogue. Maybe the buyer gets this counter offer from the selling side and they like it, or it initiates the negotiation process that ultimately leads to a sale.

This isn’t theory; it’s practice. This technique has worked for me an impressive 25% of the time, turning what would have been a dead lead into a successful transaction. In a slow market, it can be the difference between a stale listing and a pending sale. In a busy market, it can accelerate the process and secure a buyer when others are still waiting for “the perfect offer.”

My Commitment to You

The sale of your home is one of the largest financial transactions you will ever make. You need an agent that will not only list your property but will strategize and negotiate on your behalf. You should have an agent who realizes that each prospective buyer is not a statistic, but an opportunity.

When you are ready to sell your Phoenix home and you want an agent who will do more than the average marketing techniques, an agent who will aggressively follow up on every lead and use every possible avenue to sell your home, then call me. Do not accept a sitting and waiting agent. Select Angelo Sbrocca, and we will sell your home.