For at least a few years now, the National Board of REALTORS has held a National Open House Weekend. REALTORS across the country are encouraged to hold their listings open on the same day or weekend, typically during the height of home shopping season. This year, National Open House Weekend is April 28-29, but our local custom in Dayton is to hold Open Houses on Sunday, so for Dayton, today is the day.
Some people love Open Houses, it’s a bit of a hobby for them. Some people would love Open 
Houses if only they didn’t have REALTORS attached to them. Well, can’t do anything about that. We are there to show off the home and answer questions about the home. Last year in this space I wrote a post called 4 Quick and Dirty Tips for Making the Most of an Open House and that advice still holds up today:
1)Don’t try to avoid the Realtor. We do need a record of who is visiting the home, it’s something we are obligated to do for the sellers. You wouldn’t want random folks walking in and wondering around your home, would you? No one does, and an Open House doesn’t change that. We know there are a plethora of reasons why people visit Open Houses- we are okay with that, but realize you are a guest and will be expected to sign in with at least a name.
2) About the reasons you are there? Whatever they are, it’s fine. The best thing to do, as always, just be honest about why you are there: You are a neighbor and always wanted to see the home; or you are looking for decorating tips; or you are looking for a home for yourself or a family member- whatever your reason, it’s okay for you to admit it up front. The Realtor will appreciate the honesty, and then she can be helpful. If you are there for decorating tips, the Realtor can find out where items were purchased, what the color the master bedroom walls are painted, and who does the landscaping.
3) If you are working with another REALTOR, tell the hosting REALTOR upfront. Realtors have cooperating agreements with each other, which means that even if you are working with another Realtor, we will be happy to give you details about the property, because ultimately we are there to sell the home. Just remember that hosting Realtors work for the seller, so be careful about what you say- it could be shared with sellers.
4) If you are not currently working with a Realtor, you can use Open Houses to interview them. When an Open House is busy, you may not get the time to talk in private or indepth, but you will certainly get a good indication of whether or not you want to have that Realtor help you with such an important transaction.
Go have fun today at an Open House! Enjoy yourself and do a little dreaming. A complete list of homes in the Dayton area that are participating in National Open House Day, or any given Sunday, can be found via the Dayton Area Board of REALTORS Open House search link.
