For decades, we've known that maverick Open Houses have done little to sell homes, and that they are dangerous to the agent and to the property of the homeowner.
I often wonder if lawsuits have entered the picture, filed by homeowners who suffered home damage, personal injury or thievery of personal property.
How many agents have been injured at an open house, and have filed liability claims against the homeowner?
We are all aware that a number of agents have been seriously injured or murdered by a "visitor" at a Saturday or Sunday Open House.
NAR and state associations have taken a firm stand on the practice, suggesting that Open Houses as we know them today, should be discontinued.
Still many agents continue to feel the demand of their listing clients that they include an Open House or so during the listing period. The agents acquiesce.
If we insist on continuing this dangerous practice, we should at least have protection from those who come, and who, in most cases, we know nothing about.
What would happen if the NAR, local associations, and broker-owners were to require that the agent have a policeman or security guard present at all Open Houses?
Owners who want an Open House would be charged with the security fee.
In my own case, I have held many, many Open Houses over the past 50 years, and, at least in my case, only one has resulted in my selling that house to someone who visited.
Of course, I've learned of qualified prospects from the Open House, and have sold them other homes.
But that did nothing to benefit my listing clients.
Actually, I'm for ditching the whole Open House idea. But in lieu of that, NAR should require that the listing client take responsibility for our safety and the safety of his property if we are to use that marketing process. That should be a written contract.
BILL CHERRY, REALTOR
Since 1966
Dallas
214 503-8563
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