I’m a people watcher by nature, and Open Houses are a wonderful place to observe. . . folks come in and out, the “lookie-loos”, the “just starteds”, the “serious buyer” and so on.  My modus operandi is to welcome visitors, ask them to sign in (so I can send them a Thank You card the next day) and let them go on their merry investigation of the home, MLS listing sheet in hand.  I do let them know I’m here to answer questions, but I really want people to have the freedom to look, comment to each other, and think without an agent “pressuring” them.  Then, on their way out, I ask if they have questions or what they think.  If they are amenable (and most folks are, thank goodness!) I try to find out where they are in the process of looking, and how this particular property compares to what they want.  The feedback from visitors is very valuable for my client and me.  It also gives me insight on how I might help the visitor.  I keep a list of all the Open Houses in the area and try to be generally familiar with what else is on that day in that general price and descriptive range.  Then I might make suggestions.

     Some visitors are really open to chat and find me very unthreatening.  Others have a list of questions, but “please, do not add any information - I’ve got this well at hand!”  Then there are the few who actually look like they’re trying to tiptoe out without me seeing them - even when they’re passing right in front of me!  I guess they are really trying to avoid a hard sell, which most agents won’t do anyway! 

     One of my favorite guests is children.  They are so enthusiastic!  Being a former teacher, I like children anyway.  There are those who look to see what is interesting to explore; others look for things to play with; and others take the task of choosing a home very seriously.  They make some pretty cool comments, trying to influence their parents. 

     I guess what I’d like the public to know is that I feel I’m there to help in any way I can.  I really feel that’s what my job is, especially when I’m at the Open House.  Yes, I am very much wanting to sell the house, but I don’t want to pressure people if it’s not for them.  I’m sure most agents feel the same way.  It’s o.k. if you have an agent already; it’s o.k if you don’t want to work with an agent now; it’s o.k. if you have a list of reasons a mile long why that particular house won’t work.  The agent can possibly point you in a productive direction if you open up to him/her!