Who wants a loan officer at an open house? I want to be there.

Just another February day in Maine; I woke up to more snowfall which quickly turned to freezing rain, and has since become a total downpour of slushiness. 

Today's weather makes you forget how nice yesterday was.  The sun somehow snuck through the clouds, there was a light snowfall, and temperatures remained above the recent averages. It was the perfect weather for an open house. 

As I mentioned in my last blog entry, I spent the afternoon attending the open house for 6 Overlook Drive in Scarborough, Maine.  This is really a beautiful home with plenty of space and a gorgeous master bedroom above the garage.

When I receive permission to be present at an open house I feel I have the following responsibilities;

•1.Bring refreshments

•2.Have a professional appearance and positive attitude

•3.Welcome the people entering the home

•4.Remain in the background/ Don't get in the way

My presence at an open house is a privilege.  I am there to give information regarding home financing to interested parties.  However, I am not there to sell the house or try to convert new mortgage clients.  I like to attend open houses as a service to the realtors I work with.  If there is a unique quality to the home I can explain how it may affect the financing.  If the home is located in an area that makes it eligible for special financing programs I want to make sure people are aware of those opportunities.  I often provide a laminated spreadsheet which details the program options for prospective buyers who are interested in the rough numbers.  I can also help control the flow of people when the realtor is busy with a potential buyer.

On Sunday Brett Kelly and I had a great time at the open house.  There were many people looking at the home.  There were even a couple of people that had finance related questions concerning payment amounts, down payment amounts, mortgage insurance, etc.  I felt that these people were very pleased that an experienced loan officer was present answer their questions in a casual environment. 

While not every open house utilizes the opportunity to have a loan officer present for the prospective buyers.  In my experience, this always adds a benefit for the buyer and is always appreciated by the realtor.  I will continue to look for opportunities to assist with open houses. 

As a local mortgage specialist I can be a great resource to realtors and buyers alike.