We host open houses to promote our listings to as many potential buyers as possible. It’s also an opportunity for some who are thinking about selling their home to meet and “interview" us to see how we market our listings to their fullest potential, and learn about our services.
Open houses are generally conducted on Saturdays and/or Sundays from 2-4 p.m. However, depending on the circumstances, we also may host weekday evening events from 5-7 p.m.
Each and every one of our open houses are conducted in a friendly and professional manner. However, it’s important to note that we do run a tight ship and we do keep a close eye on visitors. To this point, we follow the advice provided by Joe Richer, Registrar of the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). He advises that it’s prudent to keep a log of all visitors who attend an open house. Most sellers feel more comfortable when they know who the strangers are that visited their home and that those with questionable motives are discouraged from entering. With this protocol in place, we typically ask all visitors to show photo identification and complete a registration form which adds a level of security and comfort to the seller. We always explain why we are asking for identification and visitors can opt in or out (when signing the registration form) of receiving real estate information from us.
Some visitors refuse to provide photo identification. That is their right; however, it is also the seller’s right (via their salesperson) to refuse entry of anyone into their home who does not provide valid identification. We never like to turn anyone away and hope that all open house guests understand that we would do exactly the same thing if we hosted an open house to promote the sale of their home! Security and safety matters!
Interesting fact… I attended high school with a gal who was most unlikely to commit a crime. In 2006, and again in 2010, she and her husband were arrested and charged with theft. When police visited their GTA home they discovered over $500,000 in stolen goods, including items stolen from open houses! If you want to read the full story, let us know and we’ll send it to you.
As a rule of thumb, we generally allow two parties at a time into a home. This allows Dave and I to give our visitors our full attention. Therefore, visitors may encounter a sign at the door asking for your patience while we attend to other guests. We love to meet the neighbours (who may be just curious about home values), passers-by, potential buyers who have agents, and potential buyers who prefer to shop around by themselves.
Some kindly Do’s when you attend an open house.
* please remove shoes
* please provide photo ID for safety and security of the seller and the listing agent
* please respect any requested Covid-19 protocols
* please be prepared to be “softly” guided through the home
* please be respectful to other guests
* please ask us about the home and neighbourhood - we know the house and the hood!
Some kindly Don’ts
* please comply with our (homeowner’s) house rules
* please don’t take photos or videos without asking permission
* please, keep your children with you, and don’t let them jump on beds or play with anything
* please leave your pets at home
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