OPEN HOUSE...KICK OUT THE KIDS??

As I sit here on a steaming hot Sunday afternoon holding an open house on an actual traditional sale listing (WOO HOO!), I look over at my 8 year old quietly sitting reading in the chair next to me.

That's right. I brought one of my girls with me to the open house. It wasn't planned but as I left the house and she begged to spend time with me, I couldn't say no. I am a mother of 4 so time is scarce. As I drove over to the home, I was questioning my decision. So, I pose this question to YOU! As a buyer, as an owner, as a mom (working or stay at home), and as an agent:

DO YOU THINK IT IS UNPROFESSIONAL TO BRING YOUR CHILD TO AN OPEN HOUSE??

Here were some of my pros and cons:
PRO: She is very well behaved, personable and the owners will not be home (and they do not mind her being in the home). She can actually be helpful with setup.

PRO: It is a learning experience. Not only will she get to see what mommy does at work, she can learn what goes on in an open house, marketing techniques, and a professional way to work with customers.

PRO: I can spend time with my daughter as we all know there is down time during open houses these days.

CON: She can get bored and become a nuisance.

PRO or CON: Is a working mom looked down upon for bringing her child with her to work or is she admired for juggling both? Is the agent considered to be less professional, less knowledgeable and unogranized if the child is present?

PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS. Even I have mixed feelings if I were a buyer rather than a realtor.

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