Photo ID at Open Houses

            Yes it is sometimes an unfortunate and strange world that we live in and because of this more and more we are seeing Real Estate sales representatives asking for Photo ID from visitors to Open Houses.

            It is not just a reaction to crime and increased security for a client’s home during these supposed come as you are open door events that attract any number of people who are not interested in buying that particular home, it is just common sense.

            How many of you would let a complete stranger walk off the street into your home, politely greeting them at your door, then wishing them well as they exit your home, never knowing who they were? It’s insane when you think about it.

            Some people don’t seem to realize that an “Open House” is a privilege not a right. The home owner is graciously opening their home to potential Buyers. People cannot assume they have the right to just enter someone’s home without identifying themselves. This is someone’s personal home, not a model home at a builders site, or opening day at a new department store. This is where a family lives and shares privacy and safety. The least thing a stranger can do when entering someone’s private domain, is identify themselves.

            So the next time you are out seriously looking at homes for sale and come upon an Open House where you are asked to provide Photo ID, just think about what you would expect from strangers entering into your home. As a guest please respect the owner’s wishes and graciously provide the information requested (generally a driver’s license), the Realtor is just trying to meet their client’s needs for safety and security and help filter out truly interested buyers from the tire kickers and the Home and Garden crowd.

            Always remember, the main purpose of the “Open House” is to Sell that home. If someone comes to an open house and does not want to provide Photo ID to the Realtor, the truth is they probably aren’t that interested in the home. And if that is the case, why waste the Homeowner’s time.

            One final note, for those of you who hate giving out your phone number when entering an Open House, many Realtors will just accept the Photo ID and only take your contact information if you want to volunteer it.

            Happy house hunting!

Michael Wilson