I See You Sneaking.......

Why don't consumers get it--you need representation!  It doesn't cost anything unless they buy.  How many other professionals will work very hard for maybe several months without compensation?

It is nice that you have so many people at your opens, too.

I agree with Shannon #8 because I've seen many people come in quickly and leave just to see the house.  They're usually neighbors.  The other ones I get are the looki-loos who say they'll buy but when cornered actually have no intention of buying until they get a deal that would make the papers.

If you think that is sneaky, one of my colleagues had her guest registry STOLEN from her open house by another agent!!

I wish I would have been there for that incident.  The head first "fall" out of a 2nd story living room window would have made headlines.

I see that a lot and sometimes during our "season" it gets so busy that some visitors happen to help themselves to some of the odds and ends around the homes, soaps, perfumes, etc.!

As a lender, i see the value a good Real Estate agent brings to a resale transaction. You should try dealing with people that think they should be able to do their loan on their terms.

Great points. Most people are afraid that we will eat them or rob them if they talk to the agent during open house, some just want to be left alone. I used to be like that when shopping. When a sales associate come up and ask if he or she can help, I always decline. I know have a different perspective. It is their job to help and I can benefit from their expertise.

why would you want to work with this person - there is not enough money in sales commission to waste your time begging. 

Very nice post!  People (including myself) are so tired of being "sold to" that they think any contact with an Agent is going to mean a big pitch and (phone/email) pestering.

Good post, Rosalie.  I think I had that sneaker at my last open house.  Keep posting!!

Great post! Why are people so untrusting? We are not used car dealers, for pete's sake!

Sounds like you are getting more traffic than a single agent can handle.  That's a GOOD thing.  One way to catch everyone is to have a partner that you trust and with whom you work well team up at the open house.  While one agent is chatting with one set of buyers, the other greets the other buyers that are streaming in.

Isn't this so true!? I have told potential clients this same thing. They think they are being sneaky but just hurting thier own search in many ways. Great post! :)

Rosalie -- You've outlined every good reason to work with an agent. At my last open house, I had the 'same people' sneak through...by me and another agent working with me. We were both engaged in conversation, although we both greeted them, but they would not sign in and went out the back door.  They don't know what they're missing by having good agent representation.  

All excellent points. I do giggle when I see people that don't think they need a professional. They have no idea what they are getting into, what they are buying, or why it's an actual profession.

I do attend the larger open houses of the properties I stage. I am a lurker, but the realtors know it's because I am often listening to feedback from people touring the house to make sure everything is going as planned (as designed :). The last one I attended did contain MANY nosey neighbors! Kind of shocking.