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Jeff Pearl, Full Service Full Time Realtor (RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA)

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Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

No.  If we're going to start to do that, that totally defeats the purpose of having an open house.

If you feel they're too dangerous, then don't hold them.  But if you're going to host an open house, you're going to need to make it available to the general public. Do what you have to do to feel safe while hosting the open house.

If you can't/don't feel safe... don't hold the open house.

Sep 25, 2019 02:19 PM
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Many real estate strategies exist including not holding open house events.

Sep 25, 2019 01:07 PM
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Not sure that anyone intent on harming someone won't force their way into a house. What are you going to do... open the door a bit and ask them to slip you a letter?

Sep 25, 2019 12:47 PM
Rainmaker
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Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

No.  I don't see what any of that would prove.  Besides, what's the point of a local lender anyways.  Do you know all your local lenders?  I know 3.

Sep 25, 2019 02:16 PM
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Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

My manager said, you need to require all visitors to sign a sign-in sheet during an open house.  When they sign-in they should also show you a valid ID (including a photo) such as a driver's license or a state ID card.  The thing is how do we enforce this?  You cannot make someone do something.   

I like Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! idea about private invitation.  

Sep 25, 2019 01:23 PM
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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Not in Charlotte, Jeff.

I think every time there is an 'incident,' we tend to lean towards 'mass hysteria.' It's like a plane crash - it very rarely happens but, you're still safer flying than driving. 

In my opinion, you're safer in an open house than showing a listing to an internet lead. At least at an open house, there's a strong chance of someone walking in.

Sep 25, 2019 10:23 PM
Rainmaker
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Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

No. But it is time every Realtor take a safety training course. The clip says that the attack happened after the showing. I always required every visitor to sign my register before entering and that included name address and phone number. If they didn't register (completely) they did not enter. Had this agent done that they would NOT be asking people if they knew who the assailant is.

Sep 25, 2019 01:14 PM
Rainmaker
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Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Perhaps, but I like Wanda's Bolo answer, LOL!
We've had a discussion in Peeps about whether OHs are even worth it and apparently some find them profitable. RE is local and Goddess bless the great state of AZ!

Sep 25, 2019 12:46 PM
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Anthony Kirlew
Group 46:10 Network @ eXp Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Helping You Make Fiscally Sound Real Estate Deals!

As the broker in the article mentioned, perhaps not doing them alone is one idea. Another is carrying a gun which your broker may not like, but in Arizona it's common for people to carry. I say, I would rather break a rule than be a victim.

Sep 25, 2019 12:26 PM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Personally, I like inviting a local lender to be with me during my Open House ... for two reasons:

1.  Safety 

2.  He/She is there and can start pre-approval

Sep 25, 2019 05:33 PM
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Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

I don't like the idea of screening people at an Open House, some will be preapproved & others won't but most of these people are not carrying their preapproval letter with them when they come to one.

Maybe instead get a Mortgage Broker who can sit at the Open House with you. You are a lot less likely to be attacked when there are 2 people there & you can offer an on the spot preapproval. The mortgage broker would probably be happy to buy flyers or food for the event too! 

Sep 25, 2019 02:43 PM
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Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

I like the idea of a private invitation event where potential buyers are accompanied by their agent or attend alone after having been properly vetted and show I.D. to allow entry.

Sep 25, 2019 12:37 PM
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Mel Ahrens, MBA, Kelly Right Real Estate
Kelly Right Real Estate - Hood River, OR
Customized Choices for your Real Estate Needs

A pre-approval letter is not going to stop someone with evil intent. It would be easy and quick to prepare a fake one.

Sep 26, 2019 01:38 AM
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Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

It is why i think twice to even do an open house any more. I always have to have 2 people there. Safety needs to be addressed for sure

Sep 25, 2019 02:52 PM
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Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

The only type of open house I do is a private open.  The ONLY place the open is posted is in the private remarks of the MLS.  That way, only people working with an agent will know about it.  Open for 1 hour. No signs on the street. Those who show up present me with their agents business card.  

We do not need open houses to sell homes.  

 

Sep 25, 2019 01:48 PM
Rainmaker
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Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

I don't think so.

You are more likely to get hit by a bus driving to the local grocer than getting mugged at an open house.

I say, STOP THE HYSTERIA!

These are crimes of opportunity. So, if more than one person is staffing the open house, and they are not locked in the same room, there is LITTLE opportunity for those so inclined.

Now, an agent can choose to ride a bicycle in the same lane as 55MPH traffic and they can choose to host an open house alone. You can't fix stupid.

Adapt to what the 'times' require and reap the benefits of the purposed open house.

Building stronger barriers between the agent and those with real estate on their mind is a bad idea.

Sep 25, 2019 01:13 PM
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Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

The less sincere would phony these-up...Show the place and the ones buying will show-up....

Sep 25, 2019 12:51 PM
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Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Ridiculous... why not charge admission (includes snacks and service fee).  Concealed carry is a better solution.

Sep 26, 2019 05:21 AM
Rainmaker
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Greg Cremia
Shore Realty of the Outer Banks - Nags Head, NC

It makes sense since we tell home owners not to try fsbo because it opens their door to unqualified strangers

Sep 26, 2019 04:43 AM
Rainmaker
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Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

I don't think predators will attack at an open house.  What makes anyone think that someone with alterior motives will provide the correct name and contact info anyway?

Problems arise when the agent runs out to show a property without getting a clear idea of who they are meeting.

Eve

 

Sep 26, 2019 03:46 AM
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Eva B. Liland Century 21 Doug Anderson
Century 21 Doug Anderson - Lancaster, CA
Glad to be of Service 661-714-1643

In an ideal world, yes. I have tons of Open Houses alone and never felt threathened but they have all been in nice mobile home parks. Planning to do OH together with a lender present next year for safety reasons, in "regular" houses.

Sep 26, 2019 02:41 AM
Rainmaker
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Tom Bailey
Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc. - Oak Island, NC

No, not a chance in Hell! If one is that worried about saftey, don't have them or have someone with you

Sep 26, 2019 02:33 AM
Rainmaker
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Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

We dont really do open houses here... but if we did it would be open to the general public.  We live in a pretty safe place here... a moose blocking the way out might be more common. 

If i was in an area where there was reason to fear people I would have at least 2 people at the open house and be ready willing and able to defend ourselves. 

Sep 26, 2019 01:23 AM
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Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

That was a scary story. But not sure a pre-approval letter is the answer. Anyone could forc their way in!

Sep 25, 2019 09:58 PM
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Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

No, that is not right. 

Let them see home first.

Sep 25, 2019 09:50 PM
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Camera Ramirez
REALM Real Estate Professionals - Sugar Land, TX
Single Famly Home Sales

I don't think so necessarily however I was just thinking I wish we had a third option of appt only open house.  Where people who want to view must register Before attending.  Like a group invite showing like Broker only but for Public/Private Invite type only showing.  That way it could be a special time to maybe actaully cater a light meal or finger type foods and allow people to feel relaxed in the home to get a 2 hour feel of being in the home instead of a rush in and rush out.  Maybe I am overthinking it...... ????

Sep 25, 2019 08:03 PM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

For those with evil in their agenda, this would not be a deterrent.

Sep 25, 2019 05:15 PM
Rainmaker
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Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

not in my town.... safe place..... 

Sep 25, 2019 02:45 PM
Rainmaker
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Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Jeff,

And everyone can make more rules to make the process even more difficult...How about a TSA guard at the door also?

Sep 25, 2019 01:19 PM
Rainmaker
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Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

No. It would be nice!

Sep 25, 2019 12:42 PM
Rainmaker
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Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

We have those estates that keep nosy browsers by insisting to provide poreapproval letter as well as 3% EMD before showing.....

 

Sep 25, 2019 12:23 PM
Rainmaker
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Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

Seems counterintuitive to hosting the event in the first place doesn't it? 

Sep 26, 2019 05:34 AM
Rainmaker
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Ernie Steele
Lebanon, PA

No, it's an 'OPEN' house.

Sep 26, 2019 05:25 AM
Rainmaker
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Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Alan May said it better than I can!

Sep 26, 2019 03:41 AM
Rainmaker
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Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Most who attend would not bother.

Sep 26, 2019 03:15 AM
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Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

No. Some customers start looking ~ 12+ months in advance before sale/purchase. 

 

Sep 25, 2019 11:08 PM
Rainmaker
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Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

I don't think it will work

Sep 25, 2019 10:40 PM
Rainmaker
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Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

That is not possible.  Open houses should be a matter of whether or not an agent representing a seller is willing to do this.  In our market, open houses are done all the time - with no issue.  I have one agent in my brokerage whose entire business is based on doing open houses - and she is very successful. Plan for a bad situation, but anticipate meeting buyers who are not represented.

Sep 25, 2019 08:41 PM
Rainmaker
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Krystin Mitchell, CPA CFE
KLSM CPA Firm, PLLC - Houston, TX
Strategic Accounting & Tax Solutions

I think that defeats the purpose of an open house. I understand the concern for saftey, but anyone who already has plans to do wrong is going to do them. You don't want to lose a potential buyer either. 

Sep 25, 2019 06:26 PM
Rainmaker
1,846,851
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

It's a thought but it wouldn't have helped that lady against this pervert. 

Sep 26, 2019 07:36 AM
Rainmaker
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Dan & Laurie Pittsenbarger Team
Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA
Lakeside & Coastal Single Family Homes

No, I agree with Alan May .

Sep 26, 2019 09:14 AM
Rainmaker
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Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Not sure how you come enforce that

Sep 27, 2019 01:34 PM
Rainmaker
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Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

These are Open Houses which are open to anyone. Life is filled with tire kickers. I will not present an offer without a prequalification/preapproval or proof of funds if they plan to pay in cash. Regarding safety, WE need to do everything we can to protect ourselves

Sep 27, 2019 06:12 AM
Rainmaker
765,973
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

No, since an open house is designed to meet potential clients that wouldn't make much sense to me.

Sep 27, 2019 03:29 PM
Rainer
420,003
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

Might not stop the crime, lenders will be the first line of attacks. Don't do open house alone!  Having a camera at front and sign saying the owner is recording, asking for sign in and a driver's license disclosure (write down the license number or take cell photo?) or armed guard?

Sep 27, 2019 10:51 AM
Rainmaker
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Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

That would kill any word of mouth referrals...

Sep 27, 2019 06:46 AM
Rainmaker
632,775
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

The day that happens will be the day you have to show an ID to vote.

Sep 28, 2019 06:16 AM
Rainmaker
5,877,179
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Or just stop having them, due to being too dangerous!  We had an attack here in Denver (Commerce City) too.

Oct 09, 2019 02:24 PM
Rainmaker
787,665
Abby Stiller
TOP SELLING REALTY - Cape Coral, FL
SW Florida (239) 284-8637

A pre-approval letter is not going to help. Instead we should take more precautions. I always do open houses with another Realtor or lender.

Sep 28, 2019 04:13 PM
Rainmaker
1,322,519
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

No. One of the goals of the business opportunity commonly called an open house is to entice neighbors to stop buy. They provide future listing opportunities and will not have lender pre-approval letters. Also, buyers just starting our on the home buying journey may still need to talk to a lender and are possible new clients for the open house host.

I love this thread. It shows the diversity of agents and of markets.

Sep 28, 2019 09:47 AM
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