Home > Blogs > Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner > Retired and Enjoying Life, Day by Day!

Thoughts Today on Open Houses

By Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner

Industry Observer DRE# ER40011786

February 12, 2026 10:15 AM

My personal home went on the market today, and I have had a couple of REALTOR friends ask if they could hold my house open. I politely turned them down.

Last week I got a snippet of someone's FB post about the open house they had just had -

Be careful when doing an open house. I had one today, it was very busy 12 groups through in 2 hours on a side note no kids accompanied any of them.

Impossible to follow everyone. My client called me after and said someone went through there closet and dresser draws. Dont think anything is missing but several pieces of clothing on the floor and kids stuff moved around. Crazy. Never had that happen before. Moving forward I think I will have someone else join me at open houses so when more then on group is in the home one of us can be upstairs and one on the main floor. What are your thoughts?

I have not enjoyed doing open houses for several years, since we are "sitting ducks" waiting in a home for something to happen. When I did do them, I had a lender or another REALTOR friend with me, no matter the size of the home.

There was a comment on this post about - going back to COVID days, and allowing only a few people in the home at a time.

Re-Blog

Comments(8)

Comment

Show All Comments Sort:

Kelly McGovern

Realty Concierge International - Bellingham, MA

Working with Kelly is a good move

Congratulations on getting your home listed! How busy have open houses been in your area? In my neck of the woods over the past six months, they haven’t exactly been crowded with people all at once. It’s been fairly easy to keep track of folks coming and going. Of course, it’s always a good idea to store away valuables, important documents, prescription medications, and anything else to avoid temptation. Wishing you the best in finding that lucky buyer!

Feb 12, 2026 11:18 AM

Lise Howe

Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC

Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner The 'sitting duck' feeling is real. It’s hard to justify the risk when you can’t keep eyes on every room. Limiting the number of groups at a time seems like the only way to do it right.

Feb 12, 2026 01:31 PM

Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner

Denver, CO

Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Kelly, the showing with 12 groups through was somewhere here in Denver, but not sure where. I know others that haven't had anyone show up, sometimes it's a crap shoot.

Feb 12, 2026 01:54 PM

Lise Howe For sure, and limiting the groups sounds like a good plan these days if you are holding an open house.

Kat Palmiotti

eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT

Helping your Montana dreams take root

Yes, having someone with you when doing an open house is a very good idea!

Feb 13, 2026 04:56 AM

Kat, I always had someone with me, even years ago. Never can be too safe.

Feb 13, 2026 05:49 AM

Nina Hollander, Broker

Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC

Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Joan... most of my clients who still live in their homes request I not have open houses. I'm not big on having them for my own homes when I sell. It really comes down to a security issue and you don't know who is walking through the home. I've yet to ever sell a home through an open house... I have no doubt yours will sell without one.

Feb 13, 2026 06:48 AM

Nina Hollander, Broker that is exactly what I say - in 30 years, NEVER sold a home through an open house. They ARE security risks. They can rumage through your things, open windows in the basement and come back to rob you. Not worth it.

Feb 13, 2026 07:12 AM

Nina Hollander, Broker

Charlotte, NC

Thoughts Today on Open Houses

Comments(8)

Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner

Real Estate Resources

Recent Posts

Popular Posts