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House Keeping Rules for Holding An Open House

By
Real Estate Agent with DFW FINE PROPERTIES 0506509

OPEN HOUSE POINTERS

Now that agents are holding more Open Houses, here are some suggestions that may increase the probability of getting more listings or new buyers.

  • Be sure not to leave the house key in the door during an Open House

  • Be sure to lock all doors and pay attention to the Sellers Instructions

  • Wear and provide foot covers out of respect for the Home Owner

  • Check with the Seller before bringing food to the Open House

  • Make sure sidewalks are clear of debris and personal items

  • Remember to Inform walk-in buyers when cameras are active

  • Know the difference between an ESA and a Service Dog

  • Bring your own table and chairs to respect private property

  • Disclose in MLS Open House Expectations, such as parking

  • Display Seller House Rules next to Sign In Sheets, i.e., no bathroom usage., opening medicine closets, touching pets, etc.  

  • Perhaps have an Assistant to register people and allow only a certain number at a time to view the Open House

  • Respect the Seller's Time and Lock Up securely and promptly

 

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SERVICE DOG & ESA

A Service Dog is a Guide Dog, such as for the Blind. The American Disabilities Act defines Service Animals as "Dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities." The American Disabilities Act is a Federal Civil Rights Law that "prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities."

An Emotional Support Dog provides emotional support as a companion to the owner, "to ease anxiety, depression, and certain phobias." 

"They are not service dogs and ESA users do not receive the same accommodations as a Service Dog."

For more information reference "AKA Everything About Emotional Support Animals."

 

Disclaimer: The Author assumes no responsibility or liability for errors or omissions in the content of this site. The photo is a stock photo paid for usage by the Author only. This post is for educational purposes only and not to be copied without Author's permission. Reference AKA Everything About Emotional Support for further information about Service Dogs and ESA.

Posted by

Texas Law requires all license holders to provide the Information about Brokerage Services form to prospective clients.

https://www.trec.texas.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-forms/CN%201-4-1.pdf

dfw fine properties

PATRICIA FEAGER, REALTOR®
DFW FINE PROPERTIES
3575 LONE STAR CIRCLE SUITE 315
FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76177

Email Me
                                  

                                     

MBA (University of Dallas)
BA
(Bachelors of Arts & Science)
Paralegal (Southeastern Career Institute)
Associates (3) (College of Lake County)
KU (University of Kansas)

CERTIFICATIONS

CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
SRES (Certified Senior Residential Specialist)
PSA (Certified Pricing Strategies; Mastering the CMA)
CRS (Certified Military Relocation Specialist)
RENE (Real Estte Negotitions Expert)

"With self-discipline most anything is possible." --- Theodore Roosevelt 

 

 

 

  

Comments(9)

Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is an excellent list to share with agents.

Have a great day and an outstanding week.

Mar 23, 2023 09:22 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Roy Kelley - Thank you, very much. 

Mar 23, 2023 09:38 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Fantastic list to adhere to when conducting open house events, thanks for that, Patricia. This can prevent many things from becoming an issue!

Mar 23, 2023 09:28 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! 

Thank you. I appreciate your feedback. 

Mar 23, 2023 09:29 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Patricia - any marketing, real estate and otherwise, is enhanced when there is a protocol.  

Mar 23, 2023 09:55 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Michael Jacobs - this is why I plan ahead before holding an Open House. 

Mar 23, 2023 01:40 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good afternoon Patricia. While it may become difficult to control the number of people in the home at one time, it is essential for several reasons. Enjoy your day.

Mar 23, 2023 01:30 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Wayne Martin - Oh yes! There are numerous valid reasons for having crowd control in place when holding an Open House!

Mar 23, 2023 01:41 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Patricia that is a very detailed list, and can avoid a number of issues if followed.

Mar 23, 2023 03:16 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Thank you, George Souto - it works for me and I'm glad to know others may appreciate it too. I believe all agents should practice risk reduction management. 

Mar 23, 2023 03:26 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Patricia I am all about rules and regulations, now sadly if you have to tell a listing agent to make sure the place looks presentable... my take is they should not be the listing agents for that property, Endre

Mar 23, 2023 10:41 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Endre Barath, Jr. - I understand.

Have you ever walked into an Open House with potential buyers and the person holding the Open House is sitting on the owner's furniture talking on the phone?

Did you ever show property right after an Open House and feel embarassed because the agent took the key and the lockbox was empty?

Did you ever hold an Open House and discover someone used the toilet and you had to clean it up before the sellers got home?

Did you ever have another Agent from your office hold an Open House and when you went to check on the property see dirty foot prints on new carpets?

Did you ever serve food or drinks at an Open House and someone spills a drink or leaves crumbs behind and you did not know?

I could go on and on. I think you get the drift. 

FYI.  I used to teach Telephone Sales and How to Hold an Open House to new agents. 

Mar 23, 2023 11:17 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

These are really good pointers!  I have never liked holding an open house though, haha.

Mar 24, 2023 05:50 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Loved your detailed comment back to my reply, in all fairness, this is all common sense and those you had to teach should not be in the business in the first place, with that said that is the reason this profession has a revolving door, they all think it is easy money to get... and the reality is quite different it is hard work and perseverance.... and like the details you mentioned

Mar 24, 2023 10:06 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Endre Barath, Jr. - in Texas it is a Broker's Responsibility to train new agents. A few years ago a Broker Responsibility Class was implemented and all Brokers have to take it. The gist is to TRAIN your new agents and all agents in new areas. It has been a very successful program and needed. 

The days of being a BROKER and just letting anyone in without Training and making everyone pay very large brokerage fees getting no training in return are over. 

It may seem like common sense, but it is not. You'd be surprised what I learned by teaching classes. 

Mar 24, 2023 11:49 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Patricia, great list for rules for an open house.   Have been a few where the key WAS in the front door!

Mar 25, 2023 11:46 AM