A Realtor's Secrets To An Open House

Most Sunday afternoons I'll leave my husband and kids to spend my time sitting an open house. While there potential buyers and even curious neighbors will stop by to see the home, ask questions, and leave with some information on the home. Seems simple enough but as a Realtor, it's my job to help people buy and sell homes. So while at an open house, I'm not there just to open the door and let the world in. I'm there to meet potential clients and hopefully sell the home that I'm sitting in the process. This is one reason why when you visit an open house, the agent will ask you to sign in and give them your information. We're looking for your business.

I often find visitors to an open house are timid when approached and may be reluctant to share important information with me. However, this is a great time to be completely honest. To get the most out of your experience at an open house, here are some Realtor secrets revealed.

Think of it as an interview: An open house is the perfect time to meet and interview a Realtor. If you're looking to buy or sell a home you want to work with someone you're comfortable with and often your interaction with an agent at an open house will tell you a lot about how they conduct their business.
Realtor's secret: I'm interviewing you too!

Sign in: It's important to sign in at an open house. The Realtor needs that information for safety purposes and to give feedback to the seller. Leaving your correct contact information and writing it clearly is important too.
Realtor's secret: I will use your contact information to call, write, and email you. After an open house I want to follow up with you to see if you're interested in the home OR if you'd like me to be your Realtor.

Be honest: If you're already working with an agent or if you just wanted to see what your neighbor's house looks like on the inside it's okay to let me know. In fact, honesty is always the best policy and will save us all time. You certainly won't get kicked out of the open house if you're just curious.
Realtor's secret: I will still follow up with you after the open house. Sometimes neighbors know someone who wants to move in that neighborhood and sometimes clients fire their agents and decide to give me a call.

You will be followed: While going through an open house the Realtor is going to try to walk through the house with you. This isn't to harass you. Most open homes are still occupied by the seller and out of respect to the seller the agent will make an effort to follow visitors to ensure personal belongings are not touched or stolen. Just as important, I like to walk visitors through the house so I can answer questions immediately and point out any special features of the home.
Realtor's secret: I feel your pain. It can be awkward to have someone follow you around. But it's part of my job and I am trying to get to know you to see if I can win you over as my client.

Reply to the follow-up: This is just a basic courtesy. A Realtor has worked hard to set up the open house, spent the time working that day, and has put in the effort to call or write you. Even if you're completely uninterested in the house and do not want to work with the agent a simple no thank you would be much appreciated.
Realtor's secret: We're not slimy, sketchy swindlers just trying to get a sale out of you. Yes, we'd like to get a sale because that's how we earn a living but we work hard morning, noon, and night and would like a little respect and consideration after we've spent time with you.

Like my tips? I have much more to help sellers and buyers in today’s market and will Keep You Moving. Give me a call for all your real estate needs.

Kristy O'Connor
Realtor®
Weichert, Realtors - Media
606 E. Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063
c: 267.243.6434 | o: 610.565.1300
KristyLOConnor@gmail.com
kristyoconnor.wwmediaagent.com