I held my first open house today in over two years. Having actually sold five homes at open houses during my career, I'm not sure why I don't do them more often. Maybe the excruciating boredom? 
The home I held open today is a lovely and affordable listing right around the corner from my own home. I decided to mix things up a little bit and have some company, so I took my nine-year-old son Brandon along for his first open house experience. Gotta show the kid the ropes early, right?
I will admit that I was surprised at the level of enthusiasm that he expressed when I asked him if he wanted to go:
"Yeah, yeah, yeah....We can look around the house, and take the camera, and take some pictures, and I can help, and, and, and..we can bring the camera, right?"
Great! I was looking forward to it and so was he. He has a budding interest in photography (and a good eye, I might add), and he truly enjoys looking at different homes. Wonder where he gets that from?
We had to run to Home Depot to get a few directional "OPEN HOUSE" signs before starting. I was wearing my company polo shirt, and I was happily taken aback by how many people said stuff like, "Open house today, huh? Sounds like fun." or "You must be a Realtor." My chest actually swelled with pride a little bit - yes, I am a Realtor, and happy to be one.
When we were checking out at the front, the cashier asked me, "Are you a Realtor?" '
"Yes, I am. I have my own company," I replied.
"Really? I just finished taking my first real estate class at ACC."
"Cool! I would love to talk to you sometime. I am actually hiring right now."
We talked for a minute or two, then I gave her my card and we shook hands. I hope to hear from her soon - nice girl.
SO, the open house probably would have gone better, but after the first hour, the next door neighbor's graduation party began, and there were NINE cars parked right in front of my listing, so my sign was much harder to see. I did get one interested couple that I will likely be assisting, but not right away. They are moving from Las Vegas in the fall.
We capped off the evening with a night of swimming at the nearby community pool. We had a great time, and my son made a funny joke (at least for a nine-year-old kid). He told me about some characters that he had created named Frank and his mustard-filled wife Frankie. Their last name is Furter, by the way. Their favorite saying is, "Human Diggedy Being". Get it? Well, I thought it was a pretty good one.
Thanks for reading!
Liz
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