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The trials and tribulations of Open House “Refreshments”

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Steele Realty Consultants International B16648

In theory, I have always been a big advocate for serving refreshments at my open houses. A touch of class, an extra incentive to lure in potential buyers. In practice, however, I have found the serving of refreshments at my open houses to be nothing but a calorie-loaded inconvenience.

Take this evening, for example. I was having an evening "event" of sorts, a Thursday night open house geared towards young professionals (my target market for the loft I am selling). I decided that refreshments were a must for such an event, so I posted invitations stating that said refreshments would be served all over Facebook, Twitter, Craigslist - you name it - leading up to my open house.

By my open house start time, signs were up, lights were on, soft music was playing, and I was standing with a welcoming smile at the front door. Too good to be true. I should have known that I had forgotten something. I am never that punctual. And I did realize, fifteen minutes too late, that I had overlooked picking up the damn refreshments.

My more typical refreshment scenario involves me, a poor turnout buyer-wise, and a plate of cookies that somebody (me) is "forced" to eat so that they do not go to waste.  A scene in the recently popular movie "I love you man," comes to mind. Note here - if you are a realtor and you haven't seen this movie yet - rent it! Then you will know which scene I am talking about. And another note to all you potential buyers and other open house attendees out there - we realtors do not poison our refreshments! We actually intend for you to enjoy them! They are there for you, not me!

This Sunday I plan to host an open house at a high-end home in Providence's East Side. Refreshments will be served, of course. But I think I am learning, because I have already decided that my "refreshments," purchased well in advance, are going to consist primarily of some good bottles of wine. I figure, if I am going to be the only one enjoying them anyway...

Posted by

 

Rita Danielle Steele, Esq.

Broker Owner

Geo Properties Incorporated

Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com

Rita that is too funny.   If you older you could say it was a senior moment.  I hope somebody came.

Oct 06, 2009 02:01 PM
Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes

One thing that seems to happen in public gatherings these days is that people become afraid to eat the goodies -- they do not know what is in the items and there are so many allergies and diets, and such that people seems to shy away -- regardless of how yummy things look.

Oct 06, 2009 04:44 PM