Open house events need to be controlled
I went to an open house but the agent asked me to leave if I didn’t provide ID to sign in. Is that allowed?
This is a great question. Open houses can be a great way to check out different properties that you might be interested in. I love popping into open houses and I’m often asked for identification, just as you were.
But it’s important to remember that you’re entering someone’s private home.
Try to see it from the seller’s perspective. Under most other circumstances, you wouldn’t let strangers roam around your home, especially when you’re not there to personally keep an eye on things. It’s not hard to imagine how would-be thieves could take advantage of the situation.
Because of the risks, we encourage sellers to take additional precautions.
When it comes to open house preparations, people tend to focus on cleaning and decluttering to help their home look its best. But running an open house should involve a lot more than that.
By planning ahead, sellers can do a great deal to ensure the safety and security of an open house.
As you’ve encountered, it’s a good idea for the seller’s representative to keep track of everyone who enters the property and have them sign in. They can also limit the number of visitors in the home at any one time and bring a colleague to ensure all visitors are escorted as they tour the property.
Sellers should also consider removing or securing certain items when they’re hosting an open house:
Anything of significant sentimental or monetary value.
Small items such as portable electronics and jewelry.
Bills, credit-card receipts, bank statements, passports and other important documents. Prescription medications. We recommend storing these items in a safe or somewhere offsite, such as a friend’s home.
Since you’re on the buyer’s side right now, you’re more concerned about finding the property that’s right for you.
That’s an area where a registered real estate professional can be a big asset. Based on your criteria, they will be able to identify suitable properties that will meet your needs.
And they can work with the seller’s representative to schedule a private viewing of the properties you’re interested in.
If you decide to sell in the future, keep open house safety in mind. Joseph Richer is registrar of the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). He oversees and enforces all rules governing real estate professionals in Ontario. Email questions to askjoe@reco.on.ca. Find more tips at reco.on.ca, follow on Twitter @RECOhelps or on YouTube at youtube.com/RECOhelps.