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Sex at an open house? (1st impressions do last in a buyer’s eyes)

Do you know what your agent is doing in your house when he holds it open? Hey, agents, are you going to ruin your image, or someone else's image, when you decide what you are going to do when no one is showing up to your open house?

Sunday afternoon I was previewing a home in a neighborhood that I know a couple buyers of mine that would love to live in the area. But, since they are from out of town, you really have to pick and choose what to show them when they come to town. As I pulled up, another potential buyer pulled in behind me, and since I was only previewing the home, I decided to let them go in first and give this agent a chance to sell this home.

As we walked down the walkway, the buyers in front of me stop and look back at me. We can clearly hear the sounds of someone in the throws of passion. A very awkward moment for me and these potential buyers, that is for sure.

I tell the buyers at that point that I am an agent and that I will check it out. I walk in the entry way and there is a sign-in sheet and I decided to head to the right following the "voices"

I get to the living room and there on the big screen, as loud as any movie theater, is the end of a very steamy love scene. I tap the guy on the shoulder and scare the crap out of him. It takes him another good minute of trying to figure out to shut the movie and sound off on this TV that clearly wasn't his.

I explain to him who I am and that some potential buyers are outside who were afraid to come in because they thought that it was you and not the movie having a good time. Very embarrassed we walk out only to see the potential buyers driving away.

The worst part of this is that I'm guessing these potential buyers thought that it was the listing agent holding the open house and not just someone from their office. So now these people are going to be telling their friends what they thought this agent was doing and telling it about the wrong person.

Here is my advice, if you are holding an open house:

NEVER TURN ON THE TV!
Bring a laptop or notebook to write new posts in between your visitors.
Read real estate related material. (Don't have internet access? Print it out and bring it along with you)
Make new marketing material, this is a great time to figure out new ways to advertise the home you are in. You have 3 to 4 hours to find wonderful features about this home that you may have not known about and now you can tell your buyers about it in your advertising.

So don't waste your open house time and lose potential clients by watching TV or movies. Save that for home when you are by yourself. If you are a seller and your agent is holding an open house, you do have the right to ask what they plan to do with their time in-between visitors... it is your house!

Todd Clark - Broker / Sales Coach
Palazzo Realty Group
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Photo courtesy of mzacha

Posted by Todd Clark (Broker) (503)524-9494 (Beaverton, Oregon Real Estate Expert) on 10/22/2008 12:20 AM

Comments (68)

Open Houses in the Home Selling Channel

open houses, coaching, mentoring, selling, seller, clients, 1st impressions

Originally posted at: Living Beaverton - Your guide to everything Beaverton: Sex at an open house? (1st impressions do last in a buyer’s eyes)

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68 Comments on Sex at an open house? (1st impressions do last in a buyer’s eyes)

OCT

2008

WOW! I am so glad it was just a movie! WOW!

Should this even need to be said?

Sex at an open house. Yikes, Todd. Ya mean they caught you again ? By the way... if you bring your laptop to your open house... I totally suggest that when you get a customer, and are showing them through, that you carry your laptop with you. I know several agents who have lost a variety of things that way... including one laptop. Take care.

Todd,

How humiliating. That other agent had nerve. I don't blame the buyers but the damage that was done ....Oh well.

Common Sense isn't something that everyone is born with...and you can't teach it!

Great advice. I wish I could say I had not interupted the other, but I can't. You have to be very careful when you are selling your home, and I think that people forget.

It is true we must be professional and responsible for the homeowner. I must admit I did get a laugh out of it. You are a great story writer, great building to the punch line. I am sure the realtor has learned a valuable lesson and thank you for sharing. "Life Is Never Dull in the Life of Real Estate"

Todd, I have been hearing more and more stories like yours lately. Back in the late 80's this was going on.

Todd,

There is another angle as well.

We both know that this is how myths are created. How many times clients would be telling us stories of somethhing that they have experienced firsthand and they might have been as factual as this bogus love affair on the couch at the open house.

Ohhhh good grief! This is one for the books! Good advice and I bet the other agent was a little horrified!

Now that's getting a little TOO comfortable at an open house. This is work time and we there are always things to be done. Your advice is right on target.

Aloha,

Richard

WOW! Good advice.

Hi Todd, Many years ago I was showing a condo in the San Fernando valley.(famous for all the Porn Production) My client and I were looking for a one Bedroom with possibly extra space. So I found this great Loft Condo. Bedroom on Top. we go upstairs and there is this California King with camera facing the bed I try to make light of the situation....My client goes he wants to meet the owner...no Sale...

Moral of the story keep things neutral and vanilla for the sale:))

Well thank goodness it was only a movie. Not that that is an excuse.

Wow! Thankfully I have never had that one happen to me. Your tips are great, however I hope to most people they are common sense. The next tip for listing agents is, know who is sitting your open house.

Holy Cow! What in the world was that agent thinking???? (Never mind..I'm probably better off not knowing)

Ok if you are going to have sex at a open house keep it quite and wait till you have a break in traffic. Oh and dont turn on a tv.LOL

That was a "what were they thinking?" story. A little common sense is all we ask!

This should be a "no brainer", and clearly that's just how the agent was behaving (without his brain).

I never turn on the t.v. during an open house... I don't watch football games, I don't cruise the client's cable networks, I don't read a book... I pay attention to the Open House, and incoming buyers. In fairness, sometimes I'll play solitaire (ON MY TREO!!), but when a viewer walks in the door, I put it down. To the buyer, it just appears as though I was checking my e-mail, or voice mail.

And you're right.... this kind of behavior rubs-off onto the listing agent, as most buyers don't understand how it works, and that the open house agent is often not the listing agent.

Todd,

Great post! I think as a listing agent you need to cover some ground rules with the agent doing an open house on your listing.

Christopher

Todd

That was an example of really "pushing the envelope".

I think that other parties heart is not in Real Estate

Tom Braatz

Todd - as I crumble down my head in disbelief and with all your previous posts of your encounters, I think this one tops it all. Have you started your book yet?

Good Grief, I would never turn on the TV at an open house, and for an agent to feel so comfortable as to turn on that type of programing that is even more amazing.

LOL (oh boy ... not funny at the time, I'm sure, but funny now) .....
Some of these stories would definitely make a great book ... and it would be a best seller, for sure. :)

I've actually had to knock and the door (bedroom door) and tell THEM the buyers were in the kitchen, and we would wait there for them to vacate the 'steamy' room.

My office had called them just about 1 hour before, to tell them EXACTLY when we would be there (and I'm never late). ....

Now I'm just rolling on the floor laughing ... the graphic words for me to type at the bottom of this, before I submit my comment are lovi-lovi LOL (AR has a sick sense of humour). :)

LOL!!! That is too much. I have walked in on people sleeping but they were really sleeping...

your friend in Charlottesville VA!!!

Todd~Oh my gosh...I've never heard of such craziness at an Open House. As stated before me, I would never imagine watching TV at an Open House, let alone have a "questionable" show playing for the world to see...Yikes!

Todd- It doesn't take a brain surgeon to know that there are certain things you just don't do in other people's homes. Dumb!!!

Todd - I was getting ready to comment on the more recent post when I saw this title... I've never watched television at an open house and wouldn't dream of it... At best, they should have known this was a bad decision.

OMG! That poor listing agent! Bad for him/her, but hysterical for me - LOL! Is it bad form to admit I find this funny? ;)

Debi

OCT

2008

No Debi, it is funny! Funny that it wasn't an agent I had holding one of my listings open!

This is unbelievable...even though it was a movie. You just don't do those things in other people's homes. Bring a book. Bring a laptop. But don't turn on anything in their home but the lights.

My gosh! I actually turn the TV on to a cartoon like SpongeBob so the kids can sit down and watch so the parents can walk around and talk.

Everyone else has said it for me. Talk about dumb!

Todd,

Great post !!!!! I would never touch anything in an open house...even less a TV !!!! Wow, lack of respect to the owners and very unprofessional.

Thanks

Pam - I'm glad it was just a movie also, I'm not sure I would have stuck around had it not been. But, I know I would have put a note in the log-in sheet saying I stopped by, but you were busy. (LOL)

Karen - Dang, never thought of that, but I certainly could see that happening.

Carol - Oh, you certainly can not teach it! I've seen some stupid agents who work for some great brokers that if it could be taught they would be the ones teaching the class.

Dinah - I have also interrupted the other, but it was a teenage couple that wanted to get caught!

OCT

2008

Dawn - I hope they learned their lesson, but you just never know. Thanks for calling me a good writer, can you send that comment to my 3^rd grade teacher. (LOL)

Frank - I guess when times are slow some choose to use it as a time to learn and build while others who are less motivated goof off.

Jon - I'm guessing that is exactly what they are telling their friends about this listing agent that wasn't even at the home.

Leslie - I'm not sure horrified, but I'm guessing they will be paying closer attention to their surroundings from now on.

I have had open house visitors start to rummage through the refrigerator looking at what was in there to "grab a snack" while I was busy with others. Unbelievable!

I think that you were very brave to go in and check it out! I would have left and sent a letter to the agent.... probably assuming the worst case scenerio (like the buyers). Sad way to spend an open house!

OCT

2008

This is funny. Bet this agent will not do this again. I have watched movies on my lap top very quietly before. When someone walks in they think you are working on something.... Trust me i have been in some really slow opens!!!

Todd,

While showing homes on a university campus my clients and I had an aromatic warning that the home wasn't empty. The smell of pot filled the air us as we headed upstairs to be happily greeted by a couple in bed, smoking away. They graciously invited us to continue our viewing of the home and to "not mind them". Clients and I both had a chuckle. Since my clients didn't buy this home I am not recommending this form of welcome. The smell of baking cookies may produce more effective results.

Diane

Open Houses and showing homes takes common sense. I have learned to choose very carefully the agents I trust to hold open houses. I typically allow only agents who have experience and are knowledgeable to have open houses. I have to know the newer agent very well before I ask them. There are a lot of good agents with common sense so we just have to use them.

OCT

2008

Todd- That is a little scary! I know when I am sitting at an open house, I have my laptop, and a book. I don't turn on the TV or mess with the Stereo, and if clients are in my car, the radio is turned down low, usually to an oldies station. I try not to unintentionally offend clients or potential clients by my choice of television or radio stations.

OCT

2008

Todd, I had a similar incident at an open house. I was previewing it, and the agent had the ballgame on, and it could be heard all over the house. I suggested he turn the volume down a bit as I was leaving, and he just said "I won't be able to hear it in the other rooms if I do that". Oh well. Guess he didn't want to hear any questions anyone would want to ask either. Not even close to the sex movie, but the volume was probably at the same level.

Richard - I think more people ought to use this time to learn instead of just sit around doing nothing.

Chris or Jenita - Thanks, take it to heart and you can't go wrong!

Endre - WOW! I think I would seriously wash my hands after leaving that place!

Bob or Carolin - I'm glad it wasn't the other either, but the potential buyers will never know that!

Carol - Now that I think about it, I really should drive over there, get her number and call her and tell her what happened.

Kris - ROFL...You are right you don't want to know!

Laura - I was hoping I wouldn't have to put that one on the list...Great now I have to re-write this post.

Kathy - Toy Story would have been a much better choice in this situation.

HAHAHAHAHA...that is great! I've walked into a master suite to catch the home owner coming out of the shower but never caught anyone knocking the boots, or watching the boots get knocked!!

We have to remember that the home we are in is not ours. We're representing the best interest of our clients and making ourselves at home (in their homes) isn't part of it. Next time bring work to do or even a book if you don't expect a lot of traffic. In fact, if you're not getting traffic it might be a good idea to suspend opens and find different ways to market the property.

OCT

2008

Most open houses are on Sunday afternoon. He should have had a football game on or some sports, if he had the TV on at all. What station shows a really steamy movie on in the middle of the afternoon?

This is one for the book we're all writig. Too funny!

Alan - I read, but only real estate related material. You really need to pay attention to your surroundings. I usually leave the front door part of the way open, so I can hear a car stopping and the doors opening. Just makes it safer for me.

Christopher - I certainly am from now on!

Once we had a Sunday morning appointment to view a home with a realtor. When the realtor unlocked the house we could see a nude woman walking across the room to the kitchen . . . the owners had supposedly moved, but the husband was there for the weekend doing some "work". Needless to say we made a hasty retreat, the husband was furious and never did view that house! (Sorry I digress . . )

I'm impressed you were brave enough to go to the "voices"! I think I would have wanted to turn around and leave!

NOV

2008

Tom - I think they believe if they hold an open house the business will just come to them, but they have to be paying attention to get it. This agent certainly wasn't!

Petra - I really should shouldn't I! I don't know why I find the weird stuff, but I'm ready to be done. I went on a streak of about 4 months without anything weird happening and now it is all back again. Come on Karma, I've been good!

Eye-catching title - and your article did not disapppoint. Great article and advice - as a newbie, I turned on a tv for background music once, but there had been a "questionable" DVD playing prior to my arrival...and it was still in the player (and it was on) Thank goodness I was there alone! I have never been able to look at the sellers the same way since.

NOV

2008

Hey Todd,

The guy puts an ad in the paper asking people to visit, puts signs up all over bringing people to the house, and leaves the door unlocked so people can just walk in - then TURNS on the PORN !?!?!?!

I am dying of curiosity: do you know the listing agent - did you tell the listing agent?

NOV

2008

Good advise Todd, using somebody else's equipment, not matter what it is without permission. T.V. at an open house is a distraction, specially if what you are watching happens to be offensive. I do agree with you about seller's asking what would you do in my house if nobody is in. Thanks

Antonio

OMG!!! It amazes me what some people will do. That is why it is so important to have good moral character and to be able to understand what it means to do the right thing when no one is watching.

NOV

2008

Todd,

The poor potential buyers. They may never go to an open house again.

NOV

2008

Mary - I know! Can you even imagine if a child had walked in and scene something like that on the screen. Lawsuit city from a protective parent!

Sylvie - I'm telling you there are people that want to get caught and I just can't understand why? Some people are just weird!

Charles - That I can understand if someone works the graveyard shift and didn't hear the phone when you left a message, but this is stupid! A lot of part time agents out there right now and I could see that happening.

LaShawn - Ask around your office, I bet you will find lots of agents that watch movies at open houses!

Lori - Maybe that is why this guy isn't one and I'm guessing at this rate he won't be a real estate agent much longer either.

NOV

2008

Debbie - Even watching this kind of movie in someone else's house just seems crazy to me.

Debi - Nope, not at...Funny is funny!

Sandra - Exactly it is like watching "Americas Funniest Home Videos" and laughing at the guy get hit in the lower region and thinking that you are glad you are not that guy.

Chris - I couldn't believe anyone would watch a movie like that at an open house.

LaNita - I would only do that after they had already come in, I certainly wouldn't be watching it when they got there.

Cynthia - I don't think a lot of people have common sense any more or at least I seem to run in to the ones that don't.

Waterfront Real Estate - Oh, wow, that is rude! I think I would have grabbed them by the ear and tossed them out in the street.

Lindsey - I do wonder how many others came and went, but the scene couldn't have been more than 5 minutes could it have been.

Sharon - I'm not sure they won't do it again, but I'm guessing they will pick a better movie for the situation.

Diane - They didn't feel more relaxed about seeing this home and writing an offer after that? (ROFL) Are you sure you aren't in Eugene, Oregon?

Steve - Good position to take, because it is your reputation on the line, not theirs.

Dawn - Oldies is usually a very safe choice! Can you imagine if he had broke something, how he would have felt?

Bob - Gee what did he care more about? The ballgame or helping people, I think we have our answer.

Erica - How embarrassing!

Jon - I think too many agents think that even if they hold an open they will get traffic, you have to advertise the open and make the people come to you to make it work!

Linda - I'm guessing it was a DVD, because the owners had a rather large collection next to the big screen.

Margaret - Hmmmm, somebody is in trouble with the wife - lol

Scott - I don't think I could look them in the eye again either. EWWWWW!

Laurie - I did put it in the open house book that is a really nice one printed by the listing agent, no tear out pages...I'm guessing she uses this in her listing presentations.

Antonio - I was amazed at how many people have no clue what is going on in there house when they are gone.

Rosland - Watch that crap at home not when you are supposed to be working for your sellers or in this case worse, someone else's seller.

Brenda - I didn't think about that, buy you well could be right.

NOV

2008

Todd,

I only have the TV on when there is a local sporting event on......everyone asks and that leads into a conversation that could get to know the "prospect" better.

Very funny. Was he trying to get "in the mood" to sell that home or something else?!?

DEC

2008

Interesting story ... never heard that one before.

APR

Dan - If is a bigger game I could see that. Say the playoffs or something, but still to distracting.

Betina - Good question and I'm not sure I want to know the answer.

Julie - I hope to never hear it again. (LOL)

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