One would think, as a Realtor who has hosted many an open house “event” to this point, I would have become somewhat an expert at planning more formal type occasions. Not so my friends. I am an expert at real estate, but I’m a true dork when it comes to lavish elegance. However, despite the fact I’m not the elegant hostess type, I have outsourced that role to two brilliant friends in the industry who live for linen napkins and floral arrangements. They handle the fancy — I just make a fashionable entrance. Which also wouldn’t happen except that they are also charged with assisting my wardrobe choices as well.

Very early on, I discovered a powerful life skill: Delegate the things you’re bad at to people who actually know what they’re doing. This reminded me of the first time I read the classic, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” by Mark Twain. As you may recall, Tom is assigned the chore of whitewashing Aunt Polly’s fence as punishment for skipping out of school. Instead of just accepting his punishment, Tom practically launches a PR campaign about how thrilling it is to whitewash Aunt Polly’s fence — like it’s some kind of rare and noble opportunity. As a result, his friends end up compensating him financially for the privilege of helping.

This sounded familiar to me. Back in second grade, I sat next to a boy named Ronnie P. — not by choice, but by seating chart. I noticed that Ronnie had a knack for doodling every chance he had. He was pretty good at it, too. Since I could barely draw a crooked stick figure, I struck a deal with him. Since he loved drawing, I proposed that he do more of it. He could do my art projects for me, while I did his writing assignments for him. It worked out great. He passed with passable prose, and I squeaked by with barely-there brushstrokes.

Fast forward a few decades, and it turns out some old habits really do die hard. While my writing skills are still intact (you can be the judge of that), my party planning abilities could use a Ronnie-level assist.

At that, the deed was done. My proverbial picket fence would be whitewashed to perfection.

Hosting events are necessary in the high-end market of real estate listings. Events create a sense of urgency, generate visibility and set an exclusive listing apart from others. These immersive events give a luxury listing, where there are fewer buyers shopping in the price range, a fighting chance. A well-planned event is a reassurance and a boost of confidence for both buyers and sellers.

After all, a house is just a product. This home, however, whether surrounded by a white-washed picket fence or a stunning snow-capped mountain view, is a feeling, and you need to be there in person to experience it.

Jen Fischer is an associate broker and Realtor. She can be reached at 801-645-2134 or jen@jen-fischer.com.