How do agent managed open houses work for Hauseit flat fee MLS customers?

[meera]

Hey guys, thank you for offering a complimentary open house. I have found out that open houses require pre authorization in our building. Can we see how traffic is the first week or so before moving forward with this?

Thank you for thinking of us. Our building is very strict with people coming and going unescorted, which is part of the general concern associated with open houses (and the need for management approvals). Can you explain how an open house would work? It may be tight getting one approved for this weekend but we figured we’d at least learn the process from your perspective and maybe plan for one in the near future.

[HauseitAdmin]

Sure Meera! One of our partner agents would stop by 10 min early to learn more about the property and building from the owner. Then you guys are free to let them take it from there. They’ll bring sign in sheets and occasionally complimentary refreshments as well. After the event, the owner will get an e-copy of the sign in sheet. That’s it!

[meera]

How would we handle escorting of people to and from the door station? What's happened in the past is that people come in and then after start to wander unescorted around the building, which is not allowed. When we've done showings one on one we can control that better - meet the broker with their clients at the door station and then bring them upstairs and then walk them out when the showing is done.

[HauseitAdmin]

Based on availability, we can get the open house double staffed. Or perhaps the owner or someone on her side could help escort folks to and from the apartment!

[meera]

Ok got it. Will keep it in mind for the future. Thanks.

By the way, thank you very much for your email and for the timely posting on StreetEasy. We have utilized your services before and are satisfied returning customers and we understand what is appropriate in dealing with potential buyers.

Look forward to moving things forward!

[RSD]

The open house management is free, or is this an additional cost? How do I edit the listing to post open houses?

Very cool it's free. However, does the agent collect a buyers broker fee by showing the apartment at an open house to someone who becomes the buyer?

[HauseitAdmin]

Hi RSD, the first two open houses are complimentary, and if you’d like further ones just ask and we can do it depending on availability.

You can edit your listing on our website, under the Tools menu bar: Listing Update Request

Regarding commission the answer is nope, only if there is a prior relationship that can be proven. This has never happened, but is a necessary clause to protect our partner brokers’ existing buy side client relationships.

Obviously it would not be great for them to take a small flat fee only to get zero on one of their existing buyer clients!

[RSD]

Yes of course! Just wanted to make sure… also not great for them to get 3% by snagging a broker- less client during open house! Do you advise doing both Saturday and Sunday open houses? I expect my apt to have offers pretty quickly...

Sorry to ask so many questions… I think I’m almost out!

[HauseitAdmin]

No problem! Sure if it’s slightly under priced and you are getting lots of inquiries, and it’s priced to sell, then Sat would be a good idea as well. We can certainly check if you’d like on availability once listed.

Please remember to consult our guide on how to set my initial FSBO listing price in NYC!

[viv_z]

I remember reading this language on your site but do not see it anymore. The complimentary open houses are fantastic, but what if I want to manage them myself? Assume it's totally fine for me to do so. Professional help is free and optional, not mandatory correct?

Prefer to manage them yourself or not have one at all? No problem, having an open house or our help in managing one is completely optional.

[Benny]

Quick question. Is it customary to tip the agents who are managing these complimentary Hauseit open houses? Should I have a $20 bill ready or what is normal and the custom here?

Do appreciate the service and you guys sending agents on multiple occasions to cover open houses for free for us.

[aslan]

Interesting question Benny, I wish owners would tip agents more often, cash :-)

But no, I've never heard of this. It's definitely not customary to tip agents when they cover an open house, even if it's not their listing and they're just doing the listing broker a favor.

However, if you want to tip anyway, I'm sure the agent would be very appreciative! What a nice question and thought!

[alvaro]

Re: open house, if complimentary then yes, would like agent if available.

Should I prepare leaflets and a sign-in sheet or the agent will do that? Also, can I be present at the open house too?

[HauseitAdmin]

Hi Alvaro, you certainly can, or perhaps better please see attached (in email we sent you) for a standardized show sheet (automatically generated so we cannot offer edits I’m afraid). Please print out if you’d like and leave them somewhere visible!

For the open house, it’s standard practice to meet the agent a few minutes before hand to tell them about the property, then you’re free to go and let them take it from there! It’s best to let a neutral party handle open houses if possible so buyers can view freely and not have the owner “hovering.”

[caroline]

Hi, thank you for explaining to me that the free agent managed open houses are only possible for regular open houses, and not for open houses by appointment only.

However, if a partner broker is available I would just coordinate with that broker to get him/her the keys and return them? And this is included in the Hauseit flat fee service? Thanks