The last couple of years public open houses were cursory in most markets as
homes sold before the advertised date. Listing agents used them to prospect
for new clients and let curious neighbors and too-little-too-late buyers see
what could have been. Not so in 2006. Softening sales and rising inventories
of available homes have made public open houses the bread and butter this
year in residential real estate marketing. Spring's arrival kicks off the
largest annual exchange of residential real estate in the
Open houses are as much a part of this ritual as cherry blossoms, your
Saturday or Sunday best and freshly mowed grass. Who will you expect to see flocking to these business affairs held to market private homes? New real estate agents trying to see inventory or experienced ones with clients or previewing homes for time-starved ones, nosy neighbors, those looking for decorating tips, trends or nightmares and of course the proverbial real estate groupies who make an event of seeing how the rest of the world lives. Oh yes, and the occasional real thing: a homebuyer. The real thing is hard to come by at public open houses, as less than five percent of all homes are sold at public open houses according to industry sources. Mark Nash author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home offers do's and don'ts for those planning to attend public open houses in 2006.
Do's
Expect to be asked to sign in and show identification. Even with
do-not-call realty agents and property owners want to know that they're safe
during open houses. If you don't want to sign in which can create a
relationship where an agent can follow-up from an open house, then be
prepared to show identification. There has been a rise in crimes against
real estate agents in recent years and safety is a number one priority with
them.
Observe starting and ending times. If you run early wait outside until the
designated starting time. From experience I can tell you home sellers are
frantic preparing and vacating their home before a public open house. If you
arrive at the very end of an open house don't be surprised if the hosting agent can't wait an additional fifteen minutes after hours. They most likely
have another appointment after and week-end days are their busiest, especially in spring.
Wipe your shoes before entering a home. Many a homebuyer never made it
to the kitchen after walking across freshly cleaned carpet with dirty shoes.
Do leave wet umbrellas, bicycles and helmets outside. These items should be parked outside the front door, not on hardwood floors or entry tables and
chairs.
Be prepared; do wear socks or stockings. No sandals, period. If you are
asked to remove your shoes, owners don’t necessarily want your bare feet on their floors.
Omit questions related to neighborhood safety. Real estate agents under
Federal Fair Housing Laws are not allowed to answer these types of
questions, as their answer could be construed as discrimination. Call the
local police department for statistics.
Put cigarettes, cigars and pipes out of view. Discard and extinguish
appropriately before entering any home.
Feel free to open cabinets and closets. Homeowners and realty agents expect open house guests to investigate built-in cabinets and closets, built-in being the key word. If you’re in doubt, remember built-in yes, otherwise no. In doubt ask the host or hostess.
Ask before taking pictures. If you need to take some photos, do, but limit
to overview photos and not every detail such as the insides of kitchen
cabinets. Pick up the listing sheet for additional information. Ask if there
is a virtual tour available on the Internet.
Respect other’s property. Don't sit down, turn the television on and watch
the ball game unless your invited. Close up garages if you found them that
way. Don't turn air-conditioning on or off unless asked. If you want to see
the amount of natural light ask the host or hostess to turn lights down or
off.
Don'ts
Gossip about the property when you're in it. Decorating style, property
condition and personal photos might prompt you to make unfavorable comments. Save them for later.
Don't bring coffee into open houses. Coffee is easily spilled on carpets
when walking up stairs or opening closets and cabinets when touring
properties. Ditto all beverages.
Turn cell phones to vibrate. If you need to make or receive a call go to a
place where you won’t disturb others at the open house. Never negotiate a home purchase contract on a different property contract while your viewing a home.
Bring too many people with you. Leave the children, your ten closest
friends and your fourth cousins at home. You'll keep focused on evaluating
the property with less distractions and obligatory entertaining.
No pets. Period. Except seeing-eye dogs. Many people today are allergic and
afraid of strange dogs, even if they are the love of your life.
Don't ask to use the bathroom unless an emergency. Homeowners don't want strangers using their bathrooms. Don't ask to change diapers and don't
arrive with a soiled one to through in some strangers kitchen garbage.
Arrive intoxicated. Open houses are business events, would you go to the
office in that condition?
Wear high-heel shoes. Spiked heels on shoes can easily dent bamboo and
other softer wood floors. Plus if you get into the yard to take a look at
the roof you might end up aerating the lawn.
Present verbal offers. In most states offers to purchase are only
enforceable in writing. Besides you might be tipping your hand in front of
another interested party.
