Should Vendors Be Present for Open Homes?

A common question asked by our vendors is whether or not it is appropriate for them to be present during their open homes.

 

This is a hard question to answer, and in truth the vendor’s presence could help the sale, but there is also a chance it could hinder it.

 

If a vendor does intend to be present at an open home there are a couple of things they should keep in mind.

 

Firstly there is the chance that potential buyers looking through the home may criticise it. Unfortunately when a home is open for inspection it is also open to security. This means that everything from the kitchen cupboards to the choice of colours is up for judgement and vendors need to be prepared for possible negative comments.

 

On the flipside though some vendors may actually appreciate any constructive criticism towards the home, as they may be able to use this to their advantage in case there are any future inspections for the house.

 

Another factor to consider is how potential buyers feel about a vendor’s presence. A buyer may feel less relaxed with the vendor around and they may have trouble visualising themselves in the home.

 

But on the flipside again, there may be potential buyers who actually prefer to have the vendor on hand to answer specific questions about living in the house and the neighbourhood.

 

At the end of the day if you decide you want to be at your own open home then that is totally up to you, just be prepared for the possible scenarios you may face.

 

If you are uncertain about whether to be home or not it is a good idea to discuss this with your real estate agent.