It would be rude not too......oh yeah! I had a seller leave fresh baked and still warm blueberry muffins & fresh brewed coffeeonce...we did all we could not to kill the whole dozen. It worked, my clients bought the house and still live there!

If nobody takes advantage, the Sellers feelings will be hurt.  So I encourage the Buyers to help themselves.

 Then I eat the rest.

Debbie Reynolds 

If home baked and there is no one around I promise you my jaws will be active from pending....

When someone walks in I change status to withdraw.  

What?  I did not see nothing.

Hell yeah!  

It's rare that it happens, but yes I have. Buyers have also asked if it was OK to take something

Only if the cookies are high quality.....

Yes, absolutely!

Yes!

Heeeeeeck yea! 

If the seller has gone to the trouble to bake cookies and supply bottled drinks I encourage the buyers to try them (I'm going to pass) It's a nice jester on the sellers part!

I definitely encourage my buyer to help themselves and, if there is enough, take some too. If the buyer DOESN'T, then I do for sure--the seller might feel let down if no one helped themselves to this courtesy.

I don't encouage them, but it would appear they are being offered by seller to potential buyers. I usually don't eat any.

I always have bottled water during open houses, and often cookies or candies. Most visitors and realtors take water. 

Debie,

Yes, and I would leave a thank you note also.

Never had it to happen but if they were there, Yes I would encourage the buyer to enjoy.  No One can refuse cookies if they are our favorite brand.

yes because I am frequently thirsty or hungry! and a happy buyer with a full tummy is more likely to look kindly on the listing

Only if they have a sign that offers them to us.  You never know, it could be for the kids after school or something other than for your showing. Normally I don't eat any, but the client may, depending on what the cookies are.

My buyers will have to decide for themselves, but I'm totally hitting those cookies.

Why not?

I usually bring my own water bottle for myself and cookies for the guests.  I've often thought about getting small personalized bottles of water before with our photo and information on it.  I've never had the owners provide snacks and would never ask them to either.  If the seller did, that would be a HUGE mistake on their part because I LOVE cookies.

Sealed bottled water - maybe.

Cookies - how do you know what's in them?

This has only happened once or twice, and yes, I did encourage my buyers to enjoy. I don't eat at open houses or showings though, so I don't participate. I'd be as big as a house if I ate everything that was put in front of me!

Definitely!

Absolutely!  I would not want to offend the Seller!  Plus showing properties is hard work!  It's nice to have the refreshment.

there is always a struggle between being hospitable and taking advantage :) 

That is questionable IMO Debbie. What if they make a mess. IF the seller told me the cookies and drinks where for the lookers I would pass that on.

Usually just the water occasionally I will enjoy the snacks.

Debbie,

I do not encourage, I will if is bottle water and is very hot outside.

Yes, I point it out and let them know they are welcome to partake.  Sometimes, I will partake, not so much the cookies these days, but always the water, as it is hot in Arizona, haha.

It ABSOLUTELY depends... on if the cookies are freshly baked or store bought and if I like the brand/contents of the cookie!!  I've even had sellers say "help yourself to anything in the kitchen you want" before (of course we were long time friends).  If food is put out there for anyone to take, I certainly would! 

I would not.

But if you do, make sure that this treat was for the showing guests and not just set out for something else that the seller has planned later in the day.

Why not? Hosts are happy when their stuff is enjoyed.

I wouldn't, but I'd offer them to the buyer....

No; I usually look for the good stuff in the refrigerator and liquor cabinet!

No, I ask, "Now what am I supposed to do with these cheap store bought cookies I have in the plastic bag?" (kidding of course)

Seriously now.

The first thing I do and acknowledge the gift of hospitality they have exhibited. "It is teamwork that makes the dream work" and I am so happy they are such important team players.

When the owner leaves I put the cookies away. I do not know who may walk through that door who may be effected by trace amounts of peanut.

Evey thirsty soul can receive a refreshing spring water beverage.

When FOOD is intended (by me) at the open house, consumption takes place under the canopy I have erected in the front yard.

I leave it up to the buyer when at the open house.

Debbie Reynolds Isn't that why the seller set out a plate of cookies and drinks?

Yes.

Does this pertain do that unfortunate incident in the wet bar of the family room over on Elm Street last week?   

Yes but only if it says help yourself.

If the seller makes the effort you should enjoy!

Need I say more 

I offer, and will usually take a drink. If the buyers eat, then I do, too.

None for me on the cookies but slurp something to wet the whistle, sure. Let the seller help you shoot the breeze and reinforce the property information can work well too. Don't just shoo them away or push them out the door. They are a valuable resource. Unless the owner of five pitbulls. Let those guys off the hook, suggest an ice cream for the boys and a long walk at a park where you don't hear the bark!

They made the effort so I think it would be sad if we/I didn't partake....  :)   

It does leave am impression -- I don't have a great memory but can absolutely remember the places that left us a plate of cookies (and client didn't buy either of the properties).

If they are good cookies; yes ma'am.

what kinda cookies?

Sure, if the buyers want to indulge....showed a house once where we knew in advance the nanny/housekeeper would be there with an infant while we were seeing the house. She pulled fresh baked cookies out of the oven just as we were walking through the door and told us they were for us.  We had no problem plopping down in the kitchen and enjoying ourselves.  LOL  And, yes, the buyers did happen to end up buying that house.  

I do, but on the way out... I dont want to clean up cookie crumbs as they munch and walk through the home

No.

Sure. It is nice to have these positive situations. Those extra moments in the house could make the sale.

Of course!  Actually it's pretty rare, though.

That's why they've been put out there so I would encourage the Buyer to partake. If a water is offered I'm all in!

Nope - I prefer they not make a mess while viewing the property

Well, I wouldn't eat all the cookies, but I'd certainly take one and encourage my buyers to do so. On a hot day, it's nice when sellers leave out little bottles of water. Anytime, I've sold my own houses, I've done the same. (And buyers with kids love this.)

Yes, I don't eat the cookies unless they are  oatmeal raisin . I have my standards.  I also engage the other agent and elicit information regarding the house

Debbie Reynolds - perhaps with a disclosure about food allergies....

not usually either.  In the summer I have a cooler with water in my car during showings.