yes....discourage it .....or handcuff them to the front railing at the entrance of the home....

I would discourage that, yes!  I would prefer they do that in the hospital :)

I have always accepted the situations as they come. I wish they would not bring children but that is not realistic.

Well, if they get stuck in a closet with a sticky door, oh well.

No.  It's typically the parents who are the bigger concerns.   

Hard to stop them from being there; however if they are disrespectful to the property I will remind the parents we are guest in this persons home.

Paul - I do not discourage children from coming with their parents on showings, but I would prefer that they would not bring them in most cases.

Vacant homes, it's much easier, or if the children are older or well behaved. Younger kids whose parents just let them do whatever they want can be a real problem, especially in homes that are furnished.

I do what I can with the cards I am dealt.

I don't bring it up either way.

No,  Their excitement sometimes help the buyers make a decision.

It depends, for some listings with collectibles i do, but for most buyers i wait and see... some children are well behaved and for those who are not, i tell the buyer broker in private to watch them.  I have been writing a blog about a recent horror story about a wild child. 

I would like to, but I have a real hard time telling clients no (it is my least favorite word after all).  Had a young child this spring running around tearing the heads off rose bushes, finally I had to ask her parents to please not allow her to do that.  Another brought his 6 year old to view 14 houses, starting at 1pm in the 100 degree heat.  He was well behaved and turned out fine.  I prefer they dont bring children along but understand, same thing about bringing them to home inspections as very little "good" can come of it.
Spirit

There have been times where the parents were not watching their toddlers as close as they should, and personal property was broken.   I do encourage viewing homes without children --- this is a very large purchase and the focus should be on this process.

I hope  none of my buyers deliver it have babies when I show them homes!

No, it gives me an idea of how the whole family behaves, and the children often talk their parents into renting or buying the home.

I think it is okay for the whole Family to see what there rooms would be, and to join in the excitement of it all...except..there are those few kids sometimes..that run and scream and are out of control.

Paul S. Henderson, Realtor, Tacoma Washington Children are a distraction to both the agent and the buyers. Ask them to pay a baby sitter when touring homes.

I have certainly taken children on home tours. I think this is a very delicate matter. While it is clearly preferable to show homes without kids, I don't ant to alienate the parents, either.

It should be clear the 'buyer agent' is responsible for ALL babysitting responsibilities while the listing agent shows the house to the buyer. Buyer agents - manage your buyers.

The agent can choose to entertain in the play room for to be the ever-present overlord of child discipline. The agent that lets the buyer off-spring use the listed house as their playground should ask their Grandma if that is right behavior. Clearly Mom's message did not get through.

If your buyer shows up with kids in tow....it now becomes YOUR job to protect the homes you are about to visit.  Time to have a chat and lay down the rules and behavior that will not get you expelled from a house or bring the wrath of the homeowner upon the listing agent.

I think it could be a polite suggestion before the showings so the parents can focus and get a much deserved break.

If a sitter is not doable that day then I will be helpful, kind, and certainly not make anyone feel bad about it. 

Definitely not, they are certainly in the decision-making calculus.

Agree.  It also helps parents focus on basics of what they want in a home.  I suggest they narrow down to top two, bring children in for final viewing (if older children) decision.  Sometimes the children bring them a new perspective.  Doing that this week, in fact. 

Sometimes.  Depends on the kids.

Infants and toddlers have no business on the tour. Alittle bit older kids can be a breath of fresh air with their input, after all, they are also making the move.