When attending an open house with children, especially younger ones, it's generally recommended to leave them at home with a sitter if possible. This avoids distractions and ensures a focused viewing experience. If bringing children is absolutely necessary, prepare them beforehand with clear expectations about behavior, and consider bringing a sitter or a friend, or older child to help supervise.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Consider the age of your children:
Babes in arms, older children, and teenagers may be easier to manage at an open house, while younger children might require more supervision.
Prepare children for the visit:
Explain the purpose of the open house, what they can and cannot do (e.g., look but don't touch), and the importance of being respectful of the property and others.
Bring a helper / sitter:
Having another adult can allow one person to focus on the house while the other keeps an eye on the children, or to take them outside to explore the yard or neighborhood.
Keep them entertained:
If your children are younger, consider bringing quiet activities to keep them occupied, like small toys or coloring pages, according to some online real estate resources.
Be mindful of other attendees:
Ensure your children's behavior doesn't disrupt other potential buyers or the real estate agent.
Turn it into a learning experience:
For older children, you can use the open house as an opportunity to discuss real estate, neighborhoods, and different types of homes.
Be prepared to leave if necessary:
If your children become disruptive or difficult to manage, be prepared to leave the open house to avoid causing problems for the seller or other visitors.
Consider the impact on your home search:
Bringing children to an open house can make it harder to focus on the property and potentially impact your ability to make a well-informed decision. journey with you.
You may not be planning to buy or sell for a while, but may still be curious about what’s happening in our Winnipeg Real Estate Market. So, any time you have questions, please remember I’m here for you.
Tony Rinella – Ethos Realty
204-771-3866
YOUR REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE MATTERS.