Should I Stay or Should I Go?

If you are planning an open house, you as a home owner may find yourself humming the chorus of that old classic Clash song, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”

Why? Well for one, the Clash is totally awesome. For another, you as an individual making a concerted effort to sell your home may be wondering if you should stay on site for the occurrence of your open house event; or if in fact you should hightail it to a restaurant, shopping mall or movie theater for the duration of the event. Well before you answer that question, you first must resolve several others:

1. What is the opinion of your real estate agent? You just knew we’d mention that one, didn’t you? It is important, though, to consult your Realtor about whether or not you should remain with them on site at the home, or whether you should—to use the most technical terminology possible—vamoose.

2. Do you have kids and pets? If so, leave as quickly as possible—and take them with you! Seriously, though; the answer to this question depends entirely on the age and temperament of both your kids and your pets. Do your pets bite? Do your small children bite? Are both properly house trained? If your children and your animals are well behaved and unobtrusive, then it would be probably be fine to remain with them in the home for the duration of your open house. Otherwise, you may wish to leave and take them with you throughout the event.

3. Are you prepared to answer questions about your home? As a home owner, people will naturally approach you with questions about any and all aspects of your residence. Are you willing and prepared to answer them, in all honesty and to the best of your ability?

4. Are you prepared to hear criticisms of your home? If you stay on site for the duration of your open house, then you may overhear some not so nice things about your house. Even the most beautiful, well-kept residence may garner criticism from particular home buyers; some of which they may say behind your back but within your earshot, while other comments might be stated directly to your face. Either way, be prepared for them. And try your darnedest not to deck the guy.

Once you answer all of these questions, then you should be able to determine whether to stay—or whether to go!