Broker Open House

We are having a broker open house on Thursday. What do I do during that time do I stay and just not get in the way, do I stay outside in the yard, go for a walk, leave ???? I will be home with my DD who is 2.

Re: Broker Open House

I would leave. Let them all get comfy and chat amongst themselves. They are not there to represent you, only their clients so it's best if they don't speak with you (best to speak with your agent). At least that's MO, the less you say the better without giving away anything about your goals re your home sale (that's what my realtor always told me).

Re: Broker Open House

I had one recently (well 2 because the first one was bad weather.) I work from home so I stayed home. Nobody cared. I kept to myself and when someone came downstairs where my office is, I excused myself. A few brokers actually asked to speak with me and ask random questions. Nothing I wouldn't want to share - I basically let my broker take the lead and she'd ask me to add info when she thought it was helpful.

They never asked anything about price or anything I didn't want to share - mostly highlightl features and such.

Good luck.

Message edited 4/18/2011 10:50:31 PM.

Re: Broker Open House

I would just try to stay unobtrusive - I think it's fine if you are in a bedroom or home office or in the backyard. Most listing agents set up their "command station" during an open house in the kitchen or living room, so they can greet agents as they walk in the front door.

Keep in mind that the broker's open house has two main purposes:

1. For agents in the area to see the house and get info on the house, so they can show it to any potentially interested buyers they have; and

2. For your listing agent to get feedback regarding what local agents think of the price, condition, best selling features, hindrances to sale, etc.

Many listing agents will ask the agents coming to the open house to give written feedback (they will have a form for agents to fill out), but agents also like to chat about the house while they are there. And they may feel inhibited to honestly comment on the house if the homeowner is sitting right there (I know I would!). So for that reason, I always ask my sellers to leave, if possible. The more honest feedback you can get, the better it is for you.

Good luck with it!