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Rainmaker
5,583,328
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

nothing beats slammers and shooters at an open house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! trumps beer and wine.....

she said facetiously....

Jun 15, 2016 03:22 AM
Ambassador
1,457,019
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Not for me but I can see it working for a home with an amazing outdoor kitchen/bbq/pool area and no glass bottles.  I'd also have mini sliders to go with the burger/beer theme.  But, I don't do Open Houses nor do I attend Brokers Open so what do I know?!

Jun 15, 2016 03:51 AM
Rainmaker
913,468
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Too risky. Suppose someone had already been drinking, picks up a beer or two at your open house, gets in a wreck where someone is injured or killed? Agent, broker, homeowner all get named as defendents in a lawsuit.

Jun 15, 2016 09:11 PM
Rainmaker
7,863,184
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I would not serve beer but I might take one if offered.

Jun 15, 2016 08:51 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I have been to broker opens that serve wine. I don't think it's necessarily a good idea. There are too many risks. What about someone knocking over something in the house...let alone driving away with a buzz. 

BTW...Stela Artois is excellent beer. 

Jun 15, 2016 10:47 AM
Rainmaker
1,506,013
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Cody, our minds think alike!  The risks are the first thing I think of.  Buzzed driving is still drunk driving and under the influence is any level, not just over the 0.08% level typically associated with the "Deuce", "502" or "Drunk Driving."  It still impares reasoning, reaction time, motor skills and can lead to horrible outcomes.

 

Personally, I do not offer booze for those reasons.  For secondary reasons, my taste in booze is more along the German Hefeweizen beers that can (and have) serve as meals.  You'd never catch me serving the typical piss water "beers" (Coors, Bud, etc.) that are so popular.  Some good German imports, Lagunitas (Lil 'sumptin sumpitn, Brown Shugga, WTF), or Shinerbock (one of the best non-craft American beers IMHO), that's what I'd be serving.

Jun 15, 2016 09:22 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,013
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Not at mine ever.

Jun 15, 2016 09:04 AM
Rainmaker
518,597
Brenda J. Andrew
ULTIMA REAL ESTATE - Willis, TX
Professional Realtor in Conroe/Willis, TX

I haven't served beer but have been to some Broker open houses with beer & wine.  I had an open house over the weekend and thought margarita's would be good out by the pool.  I didn't do it, but thought people might enjoy it!  Liability is the key.

Jun 15, 2016 08:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

No way, no how. I don't want that kind of liability.  We had considered serving wine and having a violinist for a luxury listing that we had.  Fortunately, we nixed both and just served sandwiches and soft drinks.

Jun 15, 2016 06:09 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,257
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Cody Carmen No way! Too much liability with agents driving home or back to the office.

Jun 15, 2016 05:48 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,132
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I would not offer beer at an open house.

Jun 15, 2016 05:10 AM
Rainmaker
637,484
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Only at a private function, by invitation only would I service alcohol. And then, I would check the licensing laws of Carmel-by-the-Sea and check with my and my seller's insurance company. Something happens to one of the "guests", you are liable.

Jun 15, 2016 04:47 AM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

Ask an insurance agent..since you will probably need a Rider for special event, as well as homeowner; in case something happens.  Not worth the liablity.

Jun 15, 2016 04:39 AM
Rainmaker
4,900,966
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

No, too much risk.

Jun 15, 2016 04:31 AM
Rainmaker
1,728,156
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Too much liability!

Jun 15, 2016 04:24 AM
Ambassador
5,060,494
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Nope, no wine either, except perhaps as a gift. Think of the liability! But to each his or her own

Jun 15, 2016 03:52 AM
Rainmaker
2,191,798
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Not at Public Opens

Jun 15, 2016 03:49 AM
Rainer
212,500
Kristen Correa, Broker
Kristen Correa Real Estate & Reedy Creek Realty Services - Keller, TX
I love coffee & real estate. I am out of coffee!

Pft. I own a real estate brokerage. And I own a bar at TCU. I think my answer will be far from the norm... To each his/her own. Enjoy Stella or water! You saw the fax I got the other day from Grey Goose! That was marketed specifically to us real estate brokers! Cheers!

Jun 15, 2016 03:28 AM
Ambassador
1,078,091
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

I think it's a good idea to make prospective buyers hang around and spend more time in the home.  Bad idea because of the liability he could incur if something bad happened

Jun 15, 2016 03:25 AM
Rainmaker
1,846,901
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Yes please .....

We give away bottles of wine at broker open houses as a gift for attending.

Jun 15, 2016 03:17 AM
Ambassador
6,417,434
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Only if compiling a list of people that I do NOT want to rent to in our college town.

I have a tough time with cookie mess, beer would be a big NO.

Is that agent still in business Cody Carmen ?

Jun 15, 2016 03:09 AM
Rainmaker
469,510
Dan & Laurie Pittsenbarger Team
Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA
Lakeside & Coastal Single Family Homes

I would check with your Designated Broker (or whatever the top dog of your office is called in your state) before offering alcohol at an Open House.

Jun 15, 2016 03:07 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,581
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Cody,

I am thinking LIABILITY!

In Napa, one of our clients has events for her clients.  She usually invites a new winery to do tastings and uses a local chef for the food.  This is a not an open house for a listing by any means.  And she also is smart enough to call a cab if someone is inebriated.  A

Jun 15, 2016 03:05 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

No I think it is a bad idea.

Jun 15, 2016 03:02 AM
Rainmaker
5,112,471
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Was this a public open house? That's taking on some liability by the hosting agent.  

Jun 15, 2016 10:01 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,177
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

no

Jun 15, 2016 09:59 PM
Ambassador
3,167,614
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

a public open, no.  Private invitation, perhaps.

Jun 15, 2016 01:56 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Not on my watch!

Jun 15, 2016 12:49 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

I see a good reason for someone to say they were not in the right state of mind when they signed that contract.

Jun 15, 2016 12:35 PM
Ambassador
3,741,868
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

So, does this agent think if gets them liquored up they are more likely to buy? Not a great idea in my book.

Jun 15, 2016 12:32 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,776
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

No way.

Jun 15, 2016 09:29 AM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

I have never seen alcohol served at an Open House, and would never do that personally.  I have no desire to be liable for someone who is now 'Drinking & Driving' Cody Carmen.  I do not do snacks nor food either . . .

Jun 15, 2016 09:18 AM
Rainmaker
519,324
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

Not permitted by my MLS, although I've attended some where they choose to violate the rule. I'm not about to turn anyone in, but I wouldn't do it. 

Jun 15, 2016 06:21 AM
Rainmaker
152,661
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski
Coldwell Banker Realty - Woodbridge, VA
Helping agents live an exceptional life!

An agent friend of mine does this all the time. Sounds awesome on a very hot day in Virginia!

Jun 15, 2016 03:49 AM
Rainer
19,291
Jackie Mazurowski
CENTURY 21 Myers Realty - Auburndale, FL
Polk County Gold Realtors

Never.  That would be crazy.

Jun 15, 2016 03:26 AM
Rainmaker
715,307
Sharon Kowitz
CRS-SRES-ABR-GRI-E-Pro-CREN ~ COMPASS RE - Cary, NC
Cary, NC Relocation Specialist ~ Buying or Selling

If it's a broker open house, I serve wine! 

Jun 16, 2016 01:30 PM
Rainer
376,587
Libby Cousins
Extraordinary Processing - Spokane, WA
Contract Mortgage Processor, licensed in WA

I think it is a great idea and would likely drink one but would not suggest it. 

It is a sad commentary that our first thoughts go to liability (which mine did as well). There are so many people out there that would likely be fine and not abuse the kind gesture, but it is that ONE person out of 1,000 that would not make the best choice and then figure out a way to blame someone else and sue. 

Jun 16, 2016 04:33 AM
Rainmaker
991,252
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Yeah right - drunken partiers at an open house - good one

Jun 15, 2016 10:46 PM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

Wine & cheese at brokers open is what I see.

Well, open house blitz in higher end properties they will serve wine, cheese, dessert to public.  Not often.    To each their own, people have to learn to be responsible.

Jun 15, 2016 01:15 PM
Rainmaker
5,239,001
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

No way I would serve alcohol at an Opn House, unless it were a "Broker Open" of a high end home with an outdoor entertaining area over a relativley short period of time!

Jun 15, 2016 10:12 AM
Rainmaker
634,532
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

As long as there's some care taken to avoid DUIs, no problem. For Brokers Opens held around sunset alcohol is often served here.

Jun 15, 2016 09:42 AM
Rainmaker
1,624,653
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I do not remember a beer choice, but champagne and wine is often served during brokers' open houses along with gourmet food ( usually twilight). 

Jun 15, 2016 07:16 AM
Rainmaker
4,176,438
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Cody Carmen I have not seen beer in a open house.

Jun 15, 2016 06:58 AM
Rainmaker
2,784,566
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Someones idea of hosting at work. However, it is not personal but business

Jun 15, 2016 06:27 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Depends on time of day and price range.  We have had broker opens in upper price range during normal cocktail hour.  Clients could attend with their agent.  Most of the time the sellers provided the cocktails & appetizers. 

Very effective for lake front properties on warm summer evening!!

Jun 15, 2016 04:25 AM
Rainmaker
292,685
Jack Lewitz
Exit Strategy Realty - Evanston, IL

I have served wine and cheese in the past but this is for very specific properties. Not something I do often.

Jun 15, 2016 03:09 AM