First, I don't do open houses, so it's not an issue. I tell sellers before we do listing agreements that they need to leave. If it becomes an issue afterwards and hinders the sale of the home, I fire the seller. At some point I don't need the seller pointing fingers at me saying I failed to sell their home when it was their problem

I would emphasis Sellers are expected to leave the home during showings and open houses.  Buyers will feel much more comfortable touring the home.

Corey,
An open house I have control and the seller shouldn’t be there. On showings, it isn’t ideal but I’m not going to ask a young mom with little kids to leave the house on a snowy day.

Sellers should never be present.  I make that very clear when scheduling the open house.  "You will need to be gone, along with any and all pets (with the exception of fish/lizards/turtles or any animal in a sealed enclosure that won't make noise).

the seler must NEVER be present at an open house event nor during a showing.....people like to open closets and cabinets.... that's uncomfortable to do when the seller is watching....

We refuse to do it. With the seller present, it does make buyers uncomfortable.

No and no.  

The whloe point of hiring an agent is to have an objective buffer zone and this violates it. I have also seen sellers at events talk to much.

A big "no" vote from me. It would make it too uncomfortable for the guests, and me too!

I can deal with the seller being there during the showing - they can go to the family room etc - When the weather is bad etc I get it - but the sellers who won't leave during an open house are SO wrong - and I hate having to"entertain" them! 

If the seller stays in a different part of the house and does try to show the house to prospects it does not bother me as much.

I don't!

In a word..YUCK !  Have never ever done an open house with the Seller present or attended one.

I advise my sellers to leave when the open house is taking place.  My buyer may not want to purchase a home if the seller is present during the showing.  However, one advantage is that the seller may provide information that may compromise their negotiating position.

This happens if the owner wants to check up or start striking conversation with viewers.  The worst case was  the lady comes out telling the viewers the agent is all wrong....

Most of the time I try to live with it.

I'd rather NOT. 

Don't like it. 

Buyers and agents won't feel compfortable.

What would you do if you were here in Dominica? Sellers are always present except one who used to reside in the US so she knows the custom. They are there saying things they should not be saying ... hovering over the prospects ... it is a reality for me. 

Corey - Not a big fan.

I enjoy attending them, so much more productive when you dont have to ask questions through two sets of agents who seldom get the question correct or answered.

I won't do an Open House with the seller there.  If I'm show and the seller is there, there is the possibility I could extract information that would benefit my client.

I really prefer that the seller isn't there. 

I like to avoid it at all costs, it usually does not lead to anything good.

I do not do it then

Not the best idea. If the seller insists on staying for whatever reason, at the end of the day it is his home and his choice. His presence would need to be discreet. One of my sellers once insisted on regaling the buyers with stories and they just couldn't wait to get away. Seller should know buyers will not feel comfortable to explore in his presence, which will prove detrimental to sale process.

It may happen once for a particular listing, but I will not do an open house for that seller again, if they stay.

I wouldn't like it ---- it needs to be a discussion during the listing appointment.

Corey Roberts I don't do open houses. If the seller chooses not to leave, I would cancel the open house. Education is key during the listing appointment. Red flags dictate whether or not to take a listing.

Same way I feel about an Open House when the Seller is not there.

I don't!! 

its not a good idea in general. i have done it, and if the seller can truly ADD to the equation, then great. but that is very very hard. BUT if they can, then fine. the AVERAGE seller will do more harm than good...

Then, they play the "mummy" while I play seller/agent

I will not conduct an open house with a seller present. As for a showings, when i take the listing i go over why this is a bad idea and not accetptable. 

I don't think that is a good idea.  We discuss that during the listing presentation.

This is never a preferred situation. But life happens and there they are.

Be aware, I only do open houses that are good candidates AND that have a defined purpose. I advise the homeowner that I can't have bodies floating about the property to clutter up the choreography. So I PUT THEM TO WORK.

In this case, their preferred station is before the buyer reaches the front door. The script and props keep them on track. Two hours of Florida Sunshine and they find a reason to go to the mall. 

The good news is they share they had no idea how much work and coordination a proper open house requires. The get a peek at that for which they are paying.

If it is an unusual home I have no problem as they could answer questions about it. Otherwise I am against it.

I prefer to go solo! The otential buyer is more at ease!

That is not usually the ideal situation but just explain the process and don't let it bother you.

Doesn't bother me. Just explain to them that they shouldn't follow people around through house, and we'll only talk with them to welcome them, and then if they have any questions after they tour house.

I have only done an Open once where a Seller stayed in the house. She did an amazing job moving from room to room , hiding from visitors !!!

I don't like it. 

If they ae quiet and mostly unseen it is fine,

 Good morning Corey. I never think that it is a good idea.

Good morning Corey. Make the best of it, in the promotion, let the public know that the seller is available for questions.

I don't like it.  The homeowner wants to talk and show everything to the client. 

Corey Roberts I'd rather not host the open house at all......

Ill adised.

Not good, I do not advise it.

Not good, not recommended.