🏠 Open House Recommendation - My experience as a listing agent!

[@KA-mq4wj]

Ughh! I already told my realtor no open houses! for the reasons you mentioned. Thank you! They can view it online if interested. But bringing their bratty kids, aunts, grandparents and animals when I’m redoing my hardwood floors, carpet and replacing old toilets for new ones only for them to gross it up? Who lays on someone’s bed? Ewww…Nope! And the more people on your property makes you vulnerable for insurance fraud and lawsuits if their child or granny falls down the stairs. Be careful!

[@AudraLambert]

Laughing. I get it.

[@KA-mq4wj]

Love all your videos Audra! So helpful and you’re a hoot!

[@AudraLambert]

@@KA-mq4wj Ahhhh...thanks so much.

[@susananders3834]

Hi, Audra. Great video! Pets: some of us are allergic to dogs, cats, or both. I have an adult friend who is terrified of dogs. Most pet humans understand this, but not all do. I love children, and I understand that finding a babysitter is difficult, but at least a first viewing is not a great child activity--may be stressful for them, as well. Perhaps one parent/family member could view the house before bringing the whole family. As you mentioned, the water may have been turned off. If a bedroom is staged, the bed may not be a real bed. Great statement: an open house is not a home inspection. Best not to touch or sit.

[@AudraLambert]

Thanks Susan for your comment. I agree with your suggestions too. Also, there are some families that have well behaved children...but others that seem oblivious. I am always shocked when a parent watches there kid disrespect some one else's property and does nothing about it. I am sure they are just sleep deprived and are just trying to get through the day. However, as a realtor selling my clients house, I try the best I can to minimize any damages. Take kids to a park, not my open house please:). Pets too for that matter:)

[@steveadams2888]

Great job and explaining

[@AudraLambert]

Glad you liked it:)

[@mykidsaresupercute]

We have a new home show in our town every year. Fancy and expensive homes you pay to tour. They always tape the toilets shut and post signs but it never fails, people still use the toilets! 🙄 Cute dog btw.

[@AudraLambert]

That's interesting....I didn't know that. Thanks for the comment about m dog...Love her!!

[@susanfreeman6350]

The situations you described in this video really irritated me. What are people thinking? I’ve seen adults climb into clean bathtubs and lie down. I’ve also seen them launch themselves backwards onto beds, or hike themselves up to sit on granite countertops. This behavior is so clueless. The last home we sold was during a very rainy spring and I’d return after an open house to find muddy shoe marks on my hardwood floors and carpets. BTW, your dog is so cute!

[@AudraLambert]

That is so disrespectful to come in with muddy shoes. What is wrong with people?? I love my dog! I'll let her know you thought she was cute! Have a wonderful weekend.

[@jsmum196]

Thank you for all this information! I had one Vero Beach agent bring a buyer. She said, "He wants to go look by himself." She let him go thru my house opening every cabinet, turning on faucets etc. And this was Dahlia Gotzman broker /owner of Atlantic Key who wanted to list my house w/ lock box and said she would never be at any showings bc buyers are upset when that happens. I had another couple w/ agent who came back twice measuring and going thru all my cabinets etc. I'm so relieved to know this isn't acceptable. What is wrong with agents that they allow this?!

[@rosebritton1308]

Thank you for your advice and your humor -- so much professional experience shared with intelligence and good cheer.

[@AudraLambert]

Wow, thank you!

[@myagentdeontia]

Crazy these things happen...lol...thanks again for the information and videos

[@AudraLambert]

Appreciate you watching Deontia! Have a great day!

[@jsmum196]

Thank you for protecting your seller's property! Truly nobody does this! Etiquette please people!

[@steveadams2888]

❤love your videos great stuff. I love listening to REALTORS who actually do the business

[@AudraLambert]

Thanks so much! Yes, I am definitely in the business. KZbin is something I just do on the side to help buyers and sellers. Thanks so much for your support.

[@paultrangroup2716]

keeping it 100% (giggle)😅

[@AudraLambert]

As always!

[@brigittebelangerrealtorino9924]

Laughing! But so true... Seriously!!

[@AudraLambert]

Figured you could relate!!

[@alwells7629]

Awesome

[@mikefults3149]

All these recommendations used to be considered common sense, but I guess not so much any more. I can also imagine some sellers actually having allergies to some pets Some great information. Thanks for sharing.

[@AudraLambert]

You would think this would be common sense...you'd be surprised. Thanks for watching!!

[@johnward8064]

Thank you for reining people in!

[@AudraLambert]

Laughing,,,its a full time job.

[@kaystinebrink1220]

Found your channel and have so enjoyed all of your programs. My husband and I are getting ready to sell our home in WI. I was appalled to hear what some people might do when coming to an open house. Makes me think, we should only do scheduled showings. Do you see open houses as necessary?

[@AudraLambert]

Hi Kay, really appreciate you watching my channel. I usually recommend an open house the first weekend of a property going live in MLS. In California, where I live, I get a mob of phone calls to see a property I list. I would prefer opening the house up for 3 hours, get as many people through as possible. I will usually have offers after the first open house. Buyers are a lot more relaxed at an open house.They can take their time and can show up during the window of time the open house is scheduled. They don't have to bother their realtor to schedule an appointment. Often times buyers are not using a realtor either. They do their shopping on line. Making a private showing appointment can be a little nerve racking if you're a buyer...you have the listing agent looking over your shoulder trying to sell you the house and your buyer's agent has to show up assisting with the showing. There's a lot of "fuss." There are downsides to an open house, as you know. There are upsides, as well. Prepare your house well and price it right...it will sell:).

[@donnacarraway9182]

I don’t think that is an adequate explanation. To the convenience of the buyers? When you are the seller’s agent? No No!

[@user-fe3jw5ti4n]

I have heard of parents and kids getting sticky fingers.

[@AudraLambert]

Oh yes...and those sticky fingers end up on white walls...UGH!!!

[@jscursions]

When buying a home, it’s important to know the water pressure. So when I go to view a home I do often flush the toilet and run the water. Because the last thing I want to do is place an offer I want to make sure I’m not buying a home that’s not going to work for me due to lack of water pressure or that I need to wait for hot water. I know that a person can find that out during an inspection. But why waste money and time for someone to tell me that. However, I do make sure it’s not too leave an trace of doing so. That’s just my thoughts on that.

[@AudraLambert]

I hear ya...but even flushing the toilet and running your hands under the sink isn't going to give you the best idea. In my area we have these low flow toilets and faucets which makes the water come out much slower. Its supposed to help with water savings. I bought a $20 water pressure gauge that I put on the front hose bibs of the houses my clients have interest. It gives a pretty accurate reading. Water pressure is very very important!! Thanks for your comment.

[@susanritter2266]

I love your videos & you offer great advise!

[@AudraLambert]

Thanks Susan! Appreciate you watching my videos.

[@jaynegilman2811]

Again Audra; perfect! Seller works so hard to have sinks/toilets sparkle then someone comes in and splashes soap (or worse) all over. Then it looks unkept!

[@AudraLambert]

You are so right..drives me nuts..lol.

[@smiles36njcp]

How should the things you mention be handled if they do happen? Can I ask the realtor to say something?

[@AudraLambert]

Yes, of course. I would request your realtor put a sign out by the front door stating that pets are not allowed on property and kids are to be closely watched. There aren't as many people through an open house "now a days" so its easier to manage.

[@smiles36njcp]

@@AudraLambert Oh good. Glad to know that. Been cringing at the thought of an "Open House". Thank you for that info. Your videos are so informative and helpful too.

[@sandraallenlovelace5146]

Sad for the negative vibes here. How about focusing on the benefit of all these practices for the seller who's the client?

[@alwells7629]

I have a question

[@donnacarraway9182]

I am going to sell my house in a senior community without any open house, are we allowed as sellers in to restrict access to the house by children and animals? Thank you!

[@susanb8724]

I'm a little late to the party on finding your channel, but I haven't needed it until now. I have a more general question about open houses... what is the real purpose? I once had a realtor tell me that it was primarily to acquire new leads for the agent and that very seldom does the open house render a buyer for that particular property. If that's the case, isn't the risks associated with an open house greater than the reward for the seller? I appreciate your videos and there's lots of solid advice, so thanks!

[@AudraLambert]

Great question!! Today we are working with a much different buyer. Most the buyers out there are finding their properties on line (not involving their agent until they find the house they want to purchase). They don't want to bug their realtor to go make an appointment and waste everyone's time. They would prefer to go to an open house at their leisure and make a decision on their own. Most the buyers who come into my open houses are working with agents...but their agents are not with them. This gives me (the listing agent) ample time with the buyers...pointing out the selling features of the property. I love open houses for this reason...the more buyers you get through the house the higher probably for success. Anytime you have ANYONE on your property there is risk and liability. However, because there is so much information/photos/videos on line, the activity at our open houses are very slim. Only serious buyers are showing up. Very few neighbors are showing up at the open houses (they can view your property on line and they don't want to be bothered by pesky realtors). The hardest thing for listing agent to do today, is get buyers to come see their properties. Open houses are not as active as they once were...just my experience in my area right now. Appreciate your comment and feedback.

[@debbiehopper5288]

Great video

[@AudraLambert]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!!

[@horsevideosbymary2723]

A comfort animal? WTF. NO! It is the home owner's prerogative to establish the rules for an open house! I'm not a fan of open houses as they open your home to a bunch of looky-loos and nosy neighbors. When the internet shows pictures of a home along with any other pertinent information I suggest showing your house by appointment as it will bring only the serious potential buyers.

[@kristak1102]

What’s thepercentage selling at an open house? 🧐 Hard pass for me. 😊

[@cynthiahogue5762]

Poor bird was probably freaked out! One stupid owner!

[@AudraLambert]

I agree...I did feel for the bird. The bird was very distraught.

[@peterlambert6209]

Sooo funny. 🤦‍♂️😃

[@meghansherman6880]

My only disagreement is opening doors and cabinets. I don't want to waste anyone's time if I don't like how much storage is actually available in the rooms. Lol. I know all other issues have to be disclosed like water pressure. But my I need to know the storage situation in real life. Bet your 🫏 I'm going to respect the owners and not actually touch items inside though.

[@dawnlower7364]

I was going to say the same thing. There is no way I would make an offer on a house without checking out the storage situation.

[@AudraLambert]

Yes, of course!