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Ambassador
1,452,869
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Firstly, it depends on the child.  I wrote a piece about an agent who was a single Dad.  He brought his little girl everywhere.  She wore a little business suit, had her own clipboard and knew to shake hands and introduce herself to clients.  She would busy herself drawing "floorplans"!  It worked for them because he made it work.

Jul 30, 2016 11:57 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Debbie,

I don't think they belong at a showing appointment.  A

Jul 30, 2016 01:03 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Same as agents who bring along pets; not cool.

Jul 30, 2016 11:20 PM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Never had that happen or even witnessed that. Why would they? No baby sitter?

It sounds very unprofessional, ever seen a kid in another professions? I.E.,in a doctors examining room? 

Jul 30, 2016 08:37 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

It is not a very professional thing to do.

As Kenneth J. Jones said, "Agents who take their kids, grandchildren or pets on appointments are a big part of the reason why the public views residential real estate agents so poorly". 

Jul 30, 2016 11:36 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I don't think it's the professional thing to do myself - I had to let an agent go because I received complaints from customers that didn't want the children around when viewing

Jul 30, 2016 10:23 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Maybe a showing appt once a year in an emergency - that's it. Little kids should not be towed around. I don't think it's professional at all.

Jul 30, 2016 09:51 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I don't like that idea.....

Jul 30, 2016 09:48 PM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

As a professional I would not take my children or grandchildren on any appointment with me.  As a professional I would hire someone to care for the children so that I could do my job without distractions from my clients.

Jul 30, 2016 02:50 PM
Rainmaker
856,072
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

On a regular basis?  I can not see how that would work out at all.  For ANY of the parties.  Mark

Jul 30, 2016 02:48 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Very inprofessional, as the attention is taken off of the client.

Jul 30, 2016 01:41 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I think it is a necessary evil for some agents however I wouldn't do it myself

Jul 30, 2016 01:28 PM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Listing appointments, no way.  If they are well behaved it is okay on a showing, but not on a regular basis.

Jul 30, 2016 01:26 PM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

I had my granddaughter last Tuesday evening. My buyer is in Panama and she had arranged to have her dad write the earnest money and option fee from their joint account. They called and said the check was there. I went to pick it up-grandkids in tow. We work 24/7 and sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. This is the 14th house that I have sold to this family and their friends so it didn't matter to them. If it had been a brand new client I wouldn't have done it.

Jul 30, 2016 11:30 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I have seen agents doing this lately and thinking nothing of it.

Jul 30, 2016 10:54 AM
Rainmaker
682,505
CA COASTAL ESTATES Lauren Selinsky Perez CRS
California Coastal Estates - Aliso Viejo, CA
"Your Real Estate Broker" #oclauren

Absolutely! Big NO NO! Unless, they are adults helping with Open House. 

Ls

Jul 30, 2016 10:41 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I'm a proud Dad and I was a new Dad when I became a Realtor and I'll still say, no children belong on Real Estate appointments; they are an unnecessary distraction for both parties, regardless of who's kids they are. Especially these days when parents do not parent their kids...I see it all the time in stores, restaurants & airplanes. But, that's a different blog post .

Jul 31, 2016 12:00 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Why punish the kids? An agent has to be there but the kids? Do unless not

Jul 30, 2016 11:49 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Debbie Reynolds I think they should leave the children at home with a sitter. Children can be a distraction when viewing properties.

Jul 30, 2016 11:37 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Debbie, have seen it done. One agent brought his children on listing appointments and if things were not going well they were prompted to ask "how is it going for us to keep things going?"! It worked sometimes. Very unprofessional.

Jul 30, 2016 11:28 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

An absolute no-no

Jul 30, 2016 11:14 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,419
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Not a good idea. If I were the buyer or the seller, this would be a one time event.

Jul 30, 2016 10:12 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

As long as the children are trained to be helpers and not a distraction it is a good thing. 

Teaches the children about work and what their parents do.

I involved my children with my business from a very young age, always finding ways for them to feel a part of the process, this has paid off well in their developement into adults who are in demand by many employers.

Jul 30, 2016 06:10 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Debbie Reynolds - sometimes they have no options....

I remember Diana Kokoszka used to take her kids at appointments - and look now where she is.

It's the DRIVE that matters...

Jul 30, 2016 04:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Sometimes it cannot be helped but how can they concentrate?

Jul 30, 2016 02:46 PM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

if they are well behaved, they are welcome...if not..no.. but who is the judge of behaved? lol

Jul 30, 2016 01:15 PM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

I have never done that but do know some agents who do take kids out of necessity

Jul 30, 2016 10:56 AM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Oops! I misread the question!  If the buyers bring little ones, that's fine.  If an agent brings her children or grandchildren, it might not work for a lot of buyers.  I think this is why God invented babysitters.  

My showing tomorrow will include two young children,  and sometimes that's just the way it's got to be.  If these two little ones are anything like their parents, I think it will be a good afternoon.

Jul 30, 2016 10:51 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Well, not all the time, but sometimes you have situation that your baby sitter did not show up and you just have no choice. When I started, my kids were little and my plans had to be adjusted all the time. 

Jul 31, 2016 10:03 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

For the most part, I think it's very unprofessional.  But, I understand that there are times when it must be done and how the agent handles this is the important thing.

Jul 31, 2016 05:20 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

There are always extenuating circumstances (like last minute showings)  But, in general it's very unprofessional.   

I do love Susan Emo's example where the child was kind of like a prop.  It was very unique and I see how it could work very effectively.

Jul 31, 2016 12:18 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

It gives people the impression that the agent is just doing this part time if they are very young.

If they are teenagers it may be ok so that they can learn about the business.

Jul 30, 2016 09:42 PM
Rainmaker
969,888
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

My 13 year old (my youngest) goes with me on viewing and other types of business related activities. She has not been on a listing interview. I was about 10 years old when I went on my first property viewing. Understand I am 2nd generation Realtor. That was about 45 years ago. I personally do not see a problem older children attending. My son was about 7 years of age the first time he went to an Act of Sale. Every thing within its limits. 

Jul 30, 2016 08:29 PM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Nope, I'm on the job, not babysitting when I am with a client.

Jul 30, 2016 03:28 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I have mixed thoughts on it...some kids are really good, but...

Jul 30, 2016 12:11 PM
Rainer
56,940
Ari Taylor
Century 21 North Shore - Peabody, MA
Realtor with Century 21 North Shore!

I've brought my 9 year old, never the first meeting unless I have no choice, she takes notes and acts professionally she is in charge of greeting and giving out my card. I would not bring my 3 year old unless they said tonight is the only time I can see it and I was stuck-and then I would explain that this is not the norm, in advance-I've brought my kids to other jobs, it's important for kids to learn a solid work ethic and understand what their parents do. My dad used to take me I have pictures of me sitting in the Attorney generals chair with my feet on his desk. As a mother who has to work, this is why I went into a job that allows me to balance both-

Jul 30, 2016 11:42 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

It is best to keep the kids home when doing real estate.

Jul 31, 2016 11:35 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Only if the agent is the buyer!  If it's a last minute "single parent and the sitter died on the way there" type situation, ok, but the clients would take their own car and the kids would be locked in the car, out of sight and out of mind.  They would also be told "if you don't stay still and quiet there will be serious consequences when we get home" and then put your hand on your belt.

Jul 31, 2016 07:43 AM
Rainmaker
1,197,152
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

There may be exceptions but I don't suport the idea.  This is a profession and we are suposed to be professionals.  

Jul 31, 2016 05:20 AM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

As a general rule, no.   There are exceptions, such as the answer posted by  Jeanne Gregory

Jul 31, 2016 03:48 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Generally speaking, I believe it is unprofessional.  There may be circumstances where is is necessary.  If I were the client, and my agents kept showing up with their child, I would find another agent. 

Jul 31, 2016 02:11 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,283
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

What I think doesn't likely matter as much as what does a client think?  

Jul 31, 2016 01:57 AM
Rainer
352,976
Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

Not good at all.  Professionals in business need to make arrangements for care of those that they are responsible for.  I've seen agents holding open houses with kids and pets and couldn't tell who the agent really is as they were distracted.  The kids were sitting on the sofa watching tv and there were snacks strewn all over the kitchen.  Not a good presentation for a public open house and I often wonder if the sellers really know what is going on?  

 

Jul 31, 2016 01:28 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

It's completely unprofessional. Recently an agent came with his little girl to one of my high-end listings... she spent 30 minutes jumping up and down on my client's $16,000 Ralph Lauren sofa and then went and pooped in two bathrooms and didn't flush. That may be an extreme example, but kids have no place in business situations.

Jul 31, 2016 12:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

I took our (adult) daughter to a showing once. It was geographically necessary and with clients that we know personally, so no big deal. She waited in the car and said hi to the clients but that was it.

But otherwise, I wouldn't do it. 

Jul 30, 2016 11:42 PM
Rainer
252,600
Macy Babb ... North Georgia Realtor
Re/Max Around Atlanta Realtor - 404-234-6166 - Cartersville, GA
Realtor, SFR, HUD/REO Certified

Only if last minute showing request... if I'm out with them, then they are brought along, they usually wait in the car, but only as they were older and could do that, under 7 or 8, probably not

Jul 30, 2016 09:59 PM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

I wouldn't do it unless it was some type of emergency, but I would ask first and explain why I had to bring them along.

Jul 30, 2016 09:47 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint nailed this one!

Jul 30, 2016 09:16 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

As Jeanne Gregory says, sometimes you have to do what you have to do. But it should only be extraordinary circumstances.

Jul 30, 2016 06:47 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

Wow! - I have not seen this before, not to say it doesn't happen Debbie Reynolds - as it's not anything that we have ever done.  Hard to say if it's appropriate, because who will be watching the kiddos if you are trying to show a house or do a listing presentation, and this isn't the same as the client bringing their kiddos!

Jul 30, 2016 03:09 PM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

I have not encountered this.  I don't think it is appropriate, but I am sure the agents doing it do not have another option.

Jul 30, 2016 03:03 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

It's not a good idea, but I know agents who have done this. 

Jul 30, 2016 11:24 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Not often only if they are friends.

Jul 30, 2016 11:09 AM
Rainer
121,632
Cathy Starkweather
La Rosa Realty, LLC. - Celebration, FL

In general, no children should be on appointments.  Atempts should be made to schedule later and explained to the buyers.  If you're in real estate and have small children, have a plan in place for these instances given then nature of the business.  If the buyer is not willing to schedule later,  have a colleague open the door for you.  It's important to have a couple colleauges/team mates you work closely with and you help each other in a pinch. Listing appointments should be planned and prepared, no children.  Another factor would be the age of the child.  If a 15+ year old is acting as an assistant and learning the business, why not?  If they can work somewhere else at 15, (as in FL), learning real estate offers terrific experience and looks good on a resume.

Aug 02, 2016 10:40 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,705
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I would never do that.

Aug 01, 2016 02:23 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

If they are well behaved, than not an issue. If they are crying, touching things and or interrupting, then they should have stayed home. 

Jul 31, 2016 10:48 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Very annoying.

Jul 31, 2016 10:33 PM
Rainmaker
4,160,899
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Debbie Reynolds Probably, it is not a good idea.

Jul 31, 2016 01:56 PM