It's just an Open House - I don't need an Agent...

Last week I held my new listing in Bethesda Open. Some agent love Open Houses; others hate them. I am somewhere in the middle. Do they sell houses? Well only about 1% of the time. But in a slow market - how can an agent only do 99% of the things required to sell a house?! They need to 110% of the things needed to sell it.

So during my Open House; I was shocked - but not surprised- at how many people came in; who HAD a Realtor working for them. Now I am sure some of these folks just said that so as not to be "bothered"; but I know several of these folks DID have an agent.

Going into an Open House without your agent is like going into court without a lawyer.

Anything you say; Can AND WILL, be used against you in negotiation. When I am holding a home Open; I am working for the seller. I have "BIG EARS". I will listen around corners to hear things like; "This is the BEST house we have seen" or "We can't offer full price - unless we have to". (These are things I have heard before at Open Houses).

It is the agents job to get the seller the best deal possible. If a buyer slips up and says too much or starts measuring rooms and bringing in paint colors - you know they are serious!

There may also be an issue of procuring cause. While this could be it's own post in itself; the basics are - if your agent didn't show it - but some other agent did - that agent - not yours; may be due a commission. (It's a bit more complicated than that - but it could happen that way).

If you MUST go to a home without your agent:

DO: Ask your agent what their policy is about going out on your own.

DO: Give your agent the list of places you plan on seeing. He can then call the other agent and let them know that HE is sending You.

DO: Give the Listing agent/Open House agent -YOUR agents business card.

DO: Keep your mouth shut at all times.

DON'T: Show much interest in the home or start asking lots of questions about the home.

DON'T: Spend too much time in the home. If you like it - leave and call your agent for a private showing.

These are just a few tips to help you in dealing with Open Houses if you have an agent.

If you do not have an agent - this is a GREAT time to "Interview" agents. Nothing is better than an "on the job" interview. You can see the agent at work; how they interact with you and others. How they dress and how they present themselves and the home.

This is not only good if you are looking for a Buyer's Agent; but even better if you are looking for a Listing Agent. Take a look at what brochures they have. How are the pictures? Are their comments about the home to the general public supporting the seller and the sellers asking price - or are they saying things like; "Yes the kitchen is terrible, why don't you offer less?"

Good luck and Happy Open Hous'ing !

Contact James Downing of the Downing Real Estate Group, LLC; if you are selling, buying or have questions!

Office: 202-362-5800 Cell: 703.244.3971

Licensed in Washington DC, Virginia & Maryland.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chevy Chase
5028 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 100 * Washington DC 20016