Sarasota Real Estate News

I learned today that a friend's 13-year-old daughter enjoyed getting her family out to visit Realtor open houses.  She enjoyed seeing design and decor of homes, but this family made seeing open houses a fun outing. 

They all introduced themselves to the Realtor with a made-up name. I'm sure it was hard keeping a straight face but what a delightful time they had on these outings! The best part of this story is that the 13-year-old young lady is now in college studying interior design and she found her niche early in life. 

Realtors realize that many of our open house guests are "tire kickers" and "nosey neighbors." Truth is that the chance of selling a home in an open house is 11%. It's happened to me twice since I've been in this business, but I've often met future buyers and helped them find their home. Some are dear friends today, I'm happy to say. That's the best part of being a Realtor--we make a lot of friends in this business. 

Realtor safety requires that we be cautious in open houses. Since I started my real estate business in Atlanta, I always lock the doors and stick a hand-written note on the front door that says, "Please ring doorbell." I look out the window first and after opening the door, I explain that I'm a big chicken and this is for Realtor safety. Everyone always agrees that's a good thing. 

Realtor safety also tells us to stay by the front door and if we do show the home, stand in the doorway and don't go to the interior of rooms. I've felt uncomfortable only once with an open house guest. Usually, a man by himself doesn't get in my open house (unless he's REALLY good looking...haha). I always double check doors to be sure they are locked when I leave. 

Open houses are how we build our business, and many seasoned Realtors are out there on Sunday afternoons. I ask guests if they are working with a Realtor and if they give me the name, I call him or her to let them know I met their client, which is always appreciated. Respecting another Realtor's relationship with their client is very important in this business. 

For me, the worst part of holding an open house is going back and picking up my signs...fun's over, it's time to go home. 

As I hold open houses in the future, I'm sure to think of the delightful 13-year-old girl who was out there opening the doors to her new career in interior design!

If you need assistance with real estate in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, call Linda Holley, Realtor, Fine Properties, 941-914-4914.

Check out my testimonials on my home page at LindaHRealtor.com/testimonials

Most sincerely yours,

Linda