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Real estate editor Maryann Haggerty and columnist Elizabeth Razzi respond to a question adapted from a recent online chat.
Q Potomac: I stopped in at an open house in the neighborhood strictly because the seller has the same model as I do, and I'm always looking for ideas. I've done this before and have not bothered identifying myself as a nosy neighbor -- I figure an agent expects a certain amount of this. However, this house is an FSBO [for sale by owner], and the owner insisted on following me around, pointing out its features. Should I have told her that her hovering was a turn-off? Should I have been upfront about not being interested? What does a nosy neighbor owe the seller of a house for her time?
A Maryann Haggerty: As someone who has attended hundreds of open houses over the years, I believe the etiquette calls for you to sign in when requested, to treat the house and its contents with respect and to keep your voice down while making snarky comments. There's no obligation for you to say why you are looking.
Elizabeth Razzi: An open house is just that -- open. It's common courtesy to give your name but not necessarily a phone number. Explain that you're not in the market but that you have been dying to see their lovely house for years. (Go ahead, a touch of flattery makes the world go 'round.)
As you've learned, hovering hurts the sale. A smart FSBO seller will get out of buyers' way while they fall in love with the home. Buyers get quiet when they're interested. They're thinking, laying out furniture, imagining where the Christmas tree will go. When they're seriously interested, they start to criticize. That's proof that they're mentally picturing themselves as owners.
While curious neighbors are a staple of open houses, it would be a breach of etiquette to call an FSBO seller to schedule a private tour. Do that only if you're truly interested in the property.
M.H.: And sellers should be glad to see nosy neighbors at open houses. They all have friends, some of whom may be in the market for a house.
The next Real Estate Live chat will be at 1 p.m. May 30.
