Open House Horror Stories: Tales Only a Realtor Could Tell
If you think hosting an open house is just lighting a candle, putting out a few flyers, and waiting for offers to roll in… think again. After years in real estate around Auburn and Opelika, I’ve learned that open houses sometimes come with a few unexpected surprises — and not always the good kind!
One of the most common open house horror stories? The “just curious” crowd. These are the neighbors (or random passersby) who have zero intention of buying but love to roam through homes like they’re on a personal HGTV episode. They’ll critique the wallpaper, test out the showers, and even peek into closets, offering running commentary the entire time.
Then there’s the mysterious missing items situation. While rare, it’s every agent’s nightmare. That’s why I always advise sellers to lock up valuables, medications, and important documents before an open house. It’s better to be safe than sorry — and it keeps the focus where it should be: on selling your home, not worrying about your jewelry.
And of course, who could forget the unexpected animal encounters? From a cat dashing out the front door to a snake found sunning itself in the backyard during a showing, pets (and wildlife) don’t always follow the open house script.
The truth is, open houses can be a fantastic tool to generate buzz, but they require careful planning, the right marketing, and a little bit of flexibility for the occasional chaos. A seasoned agent knows how to roll with the unexpected and still turn an open house into a big win.
If you’re thinking about selling your home and wondering how to make your open house stand out — minus the horror stories — I’m here to help. Let’s create an open house strategy that’s smart, safe, and gets buyers excited (without any surprise guests!).
Have you ever been to an open house that was totally unforgettable — in a good or bad way? Share your story! I’d love to hear.
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