"After a long day at work, the thought of relaxing at home—glass of wine in hand, candles flickering, music drifting while the sun colorfully retires—is an enticing one. And there are more than a few realtors hoping that they can offer the perfect place to experience just that.
In reaction to the cooling of the real estate market, real estate professionals have had to be more creative in the presentations of their properties in order to attract buyers. Enter the idea of the Twilight Open House.
Initially appealing to young professionals and empty nesters, the Twilight presentation of a home offers another point of reference—a more leisurely phase of the day featuring the golden rays of the setting sun in the early evening. Candles, hors d'oeuvres, decks, and patios set for entertaining, give a different perspective, one that has become an effective sales tool in many cities. From California to Rhode Island, realtors and builders are arranging "Twilight Open House Extravaganzas" on evenings after work, attracting agents and buyers alike. The events are essentially cocktail-like parties, and free up the weekends for those who prefer not to house hunt on Sunday afternoons. Used in conjunction with the time-honored weekend Open House, the Twilights have proved effective.
Jimmy Lail, a local real estate broker, has decided to test the Twilight's effectiveness in the Lexington market. His penthouse condominium, located on the 5th floor of The 500s on Main, is the perfect test case. As he is the owner and agent, he is more apt to take a chance on innovation. He will get his first read on its success at his first Twilight event in late August. With a 180-degree view of the sky from five stories up, there are views of both the rising and setting sun. "It's a unique idea for a unique space," said Lail. "Spaces have distinctively different personalities at different times of the day. The atmosphere of a space in the evening may be very unlike that of it in the mid-afternoon. Seeing it at varying times increases its appeal."
"You can't imagine how the sun looks setting over Rupp" Lail said, gesturing towards the expansive glass area that overlooks the arena.
Variations of the Twilight in other cities have expanded its effects. Local artists have displayed their works in the early evening Open Houses in numerous instances, enhancing the look of the property for sale and making the event more enjoyable for the attendees. Often, they are scheduled in conjunction with events in the area, exhibiting their convenience to area's happenings. Twilights featuring commercial properties highlight what the property and its surrounds have to offer in the after-work hours. Opening a number of spaces at once introduces prospective buyers to other similarly interested parties and increases the likelihood of a sale.
A relatively new tool, Twilights are making a debut in Lexington, their realtors and brokers hoping they make their properties stand out among the increasing number of listings. "