"OPEN HOUSE"... NOT "ANIMAL HOUSE

Hosting an Open House provides a valuable opportunity for sellers, buyers, and Realtors to learn more about the property that is for sale, but there is a great deal more involved with an Open House than may meet the eye. Here are some facts to consider about Open Houses:

What an Open House means: The seller has agreed to permit the general public to enter the home for the purpose of looking through all rooms, closets, cabinets, basement, attic, storage areas, and garage in addition to exploring the property's land.

What an Open House does NOT mean: While there is a reasonable expectation that a buyer be permitted to observe the size of closets and the condition of cabinets, there is no permission ever granted to or implied for anyone to touch the sellers' personal property such as furniture drawers, armoire or entertainment center doors or use of any of the home's utilities.

Who attends the Open House? A billionaire lands a private jet at the end of the cul de sac, is followed up the front stairs by an entourage of staff carrying a chest full of thousand dollar bills, and states emphatically to your Realtor "You only want how much for this house? Nonsense! It's worth ten times what you are asking and I have no time for a home inspection. Let's sign." If your Realtor is still conscious, you are what is known in the business as "One Lucky Dude".

If the jet should miss the ramp, however, and your Open House continues, you may expect that your neighbors will be among the first to attend. Although you may view your neighbors as merely "nosey", know that your Realtor recognizes the value of their presence. Neighbors in fact do come in to look around for many reasons, but one reason may be that they would like their friend or family member to live closer to them... in your home.

Many Realtors are doing their own Open Houses on the same day as yours is being done, but they can and will send their buyers to view your home if it is open. These buyers have likely been sent by their Realtors because they are looking for a home like yours. Many buyers have found your Open House on the MLS, or any number of media or internet marketing sites and services employed by your Realtor, and have chosen to attend in order to compare your home with others they have seen.

Other Realtors attend your Open House to preview it for buyers who could not attend and you may receive a call for a second showing. Some Realtors attend the Open House so that they can keep on top of the market themselves. Their's is a welcomed presence always, as it represents an interest on the part of busy professionals who made a point of viewing your home for reference.

Although some attendees may be "tire kickers", know that all behavior is purposeful and even "tire kickers" eventually buy the car.

There will be folks who attend your Open House to look at your choice of colors and get ideas on how to decorate their own homes. Your Realtor will still recognize the value in their attendance. These visitors do not usually come in from over seas to view your new addition as a tourist attraction. They reside in or around your area and they too have a sphere of influence. Your Realtor may receive a call from a billionaire's staff administrator. "I work for an investor who heard about a home from someone who attended the Open House and it sounds just perfect. How soon can you show it?"

There is also the concern about hosting an Open House that every seller and Realtor must acknowledge and address; bad acts.

It is the sad reality that there are individuals among us whose intent is not always honorable. An experienced and trained Realtor knows as much as is possible, how to recognize and protect against malfeasance. While there can not be a guarantee against theft, a seller can benefit from increasing the expose of the property to the market with an Open House, while at the same time mitigating the risks inherent in opening the doors to the public.

All medicines and valuables should be removed from sight. Your Realtor stands in your place at all times during your Open House and as such is responsible for welcoming all of your guests warmly and respectfully as if each has been sent a formal invitation to an elegant gathering. While you would never want your guest to feel uncomfortable in your home, a well trained professional Realtor will know as much as is reasonably possible how to scrutinize and continue to observe all who enter your home from the moment they open the door to the moment they leave without sacrificing that "welcomed" feeling.

Guests will be asked to sign in the "Guest Register" and Realtors use that register to enhance business and make contacts for feedback on the property.

With careful choices and preparation, the Open House is an invaluable tool in the sale of a home. As long as your home has been priced correctly and is well marketed, and if you keep your lovely home as spotless and sparkling as possible, you will be headed toward the closing table before any of those sellers around you who have not done the same.

Also, you may be well advised to keep smelling salts on hand for your Realtor. This New Year already looks great with private jets soaring all around us.