The Open House Visitor Who Stayed Too Long
I have been reading a lot about safety in our business.
This is not one of those stories.
Recently, I was helping an agent in my office with an open house at her new listing. It was the first day available for showing and as is typical in our low-inventory times, activity was predicted to be well-attended. She didn’t feel comfortable being there alone for the two hour event and I agreed to help. I like open houses, especially when they are new-to-the-market -- lots of opportunities to meet and hear first hand impressions of the property. I’ve often described open houses as a cocktail party(without the libations, of course) where you make sure people are greeted and made to feel welcome.
Visitors were waiting in advance of the start time and traffic was steady. This is a good thing.
Later, a gentleman walked in.
His eyes showed he had intent.
Do you know what I mean?
After a while in business, you can tell...you can sense it..
Without much of a conversation, I averted his glance and directed him to the listing agent.
Yes, he was not a typical open house visitor.
He was a vendor.
Believe me, I have no issue with an escrow officer, a lender, a title rep, an inspector, a stager or anyone else coming to an open house event and quickly introducing his or her business to me.
In fact, I give them a lot of credit for taking time out of their day to seek out business. Especially on a Sunday afternoon.
This was not one of those visits.
He lingered when there was a rare lull in the people flowing through the house.
Thankfully after about ten minutes(it seemed much longer) visitors once again entered the home. He eventually got the clue -- it was time to wrap up. But it was a slow exit even as he was being ignored. Even after a goodbye and a handshake occurred.
My message to vendors dropping by --- be quick...it’s okay to send a follow-up email but don’t overstay your welcome.
You really do want to be invited back to the next party, right?
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