Questions to ask about how your show house will be run

You're about to hand your home to someone else to run for a few hours, several times a month. Before you sign, you need to know what you're actually getting—and what questions reveal whether an agent truly has your interests covered.

Who will actually be there, and what are they trained to do?

Start by asking: "Who will host my show house, and what's their background?" Listen carefully to the answer. A strong agent will name specific people, describe their experience, or explain their training process. If they dodge—saying "one of our team" or "whoever's available"—that's a warning. You want someone with real estate knowledge who can talk intelligently about your home to buyers and handle unexpected situations.

Follow up: "What training do they get?" A good answer includes details about how they're taught to show your home, how they handle questions about the property, and what to do if something goes wrong. If the agent says "they just chat to people" or looks uncertain, you're not getting professional representation. Your host should know the floor plan, utilities, recent improvements, and what makes your home appealing. They should also know how to stay alert without making visitors uncomfortable.

How will you stay in the loop during the showing?

Ask: "How will I get feedback from each showing, and how quickly?" This matters far more than you might think. Some agents phone or message within an hour with notes on who visited, what they asked, and what objections came up. Others send a summary by the end of the week. A few don't bother at all. That feedback shapes your strategy—if three people ask about load-shedding, you know what to explain next time. If no one's even looking at the main bedroom, something in your marketing or home staging needs attention.

Also ask: "If something breaks or goes wrong during a showing, how will you tell me and what happens next?" A professional answer includes a clear chain of communication. You should never discover a problem because a visitor mentioned it weeks later. The agent should have a protocol—phone call, damage report, and a plan to fix it or arrange insurance.

What happens if someone wants to make an offer?

This is crucial: "If a buyer wants to submit an offer during an open showing, what's your process?" Evasive agents might say "we'll sort it out later." Strong ones explain that they'll take the buyer's details, arrange a private follow-up meeting, and ensure you're involved in any negotiation. You don't want a pressure-filled decision made on your doorstep or an agent negotiating on your behalf without your input. Your host should know their limits—they're there to show, not to close.

Also ask: "Do you ever negotiate pricing or terms on show day without talking to me first?" The answer should be an emphatic no. If an agent has done this, move on.

What's the security and liability picture?

Ask directly: "How do you vet visitors, and what's your liability if something's stolen or damaged?" Many agents use a sign-in sheet or require ID. Others do a quick phone screening before the showing. Some do nothing. A responsible agent will have a clear process and carry professional indemnity insurance that covers loss or damage. You should also check their terms of service—most real estate agencies have clauses about liability, and you need to know what you're agreeing to.

Also worth asking: "Will I need insurance cover for show days?" Your home insurer might require notification or might exclude liability during open homes. Some agents recommend temporary cover. This conversation protects you both.

These four lines of questioning—who shows your home, how feedback flows, how offers are handled, and what protections exist—reveal whether an agent is serious about representing you or just running a process on autopilot. When you find someone who answers clearly and confidently, and whose answers make sense to you, you're ready to move forward. On Strove, you can browse agents' profiles, read reviews from other sellers about their open home processes, and compare their approaches before you commit to working with anyone.