7 Common & Comical #OpenHouseProblems

Who doesn’t love an open house? Sometimes, the answer to that question, it turns out, is the Realtor® hosting it.

Not that the idea of pairing someone with his or her dream home isn’t thrilling, but there are plenty of moving parts agents need to put in place before presenting a home to the public.

From signs and balloons to snacks and pets, the struggle is real. So real, in fact, that there’s a hashtag to lament these common #openhouseproblems. Check out this list and see if you’ve experienced any yourself.

1. Furry nemesis

Open house problems. Cat stole my listing sheets and iPad. #realtorlife #sellingnorthbay #northbayrealtor #rlpnorthbay #royallepagenorthbay #openhouseproblems #sneakykitty

A post shared by Brittany Stillar (@brittanystillarrealtor) on Mar 11, 2017 at 9:51am PST

Something tells us kitty just isn’t in the mood to receive guests today! Dealing with pets — especially those with strong personalities — is one of the challenges of the job. Maybe once that doorbell starts ringing Grumpy Cat will release his hold on the iPad.

2. The cost of decorating

 

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OMG where did the balloons come from! They appeared out of no where 😂😂😂 #balloons #theyappearedoutofnowhere #theyfollowedmehome #openhouseballoons #funnight #blueeyedgirl #shocked #beinggoofy #iamahoot #havingfun #dorklife

A post shared by Ally (@allisontenharmsel) on Jul 24, 2017 at 6:15pm PDT

Balloons help buyers locate an open house but they sure are a pain to transport. This agent isn’t the only one dealing with the hazards of helium! Corralling these free-floating orbs is no picnic as you’re about to see.

3. Creepy baby

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A post shared by Mission : Unknown Team (@obscureresearchinvestigation)

While this doll is only slightly less freaky than Chuckie, at least this little lady isn’t crying or fussing, right? Perhaps someone suggested staging this room as a nursery? An odd move for sure, but for some Realtors® nothing is shocking.

4. #FOMO

#thatfaceyoumake when your #openhouse is dead as hell and it's gorgeous out. And you can hear the fun at the pool a few doors down. #realestatechronicles #openhouseproblems #realtorproblems #realestate #realtor #realtorlife #gayrealtor #gayrealestate #instagood #instafunny #instagay

A post shared by Hudson Warren (@hudsonwarrenfl) on Apr 10, 2016 at 11:33am PDT

The only thing worse than being stuck inside on a beautiful day — all by yourself — is the ability to hear other people having a blast outdoors. Kind of takes you right back to your childhood days of being grounded, doesn’t it?

5. Drive safely

What could possibly go wrong!? #OpenHouseProblems

A post shared by Louisiana Real Estate Broker (@ronnieleegeorge) on Jul 18, 2015 at 2:16pm PDT

More balloon-related problems! Let’s hope this guy doesn’t have too far to travel ‘cause he can’t see a thing behind him.

6. Stay put!

so thats where my balloons went 15 min after i tied them outside my open house!!

A post shared by Misty Newsome (@tnrealtorgirl) on Sep 21, 2014 at 12:47pm PDT

And after going to all that trouble to get those #@!% balloons to their final destination, they have the nerve to up and fly away! What’s a Realtor® to do?

7. The temptation to binge-eat

I need to stop bringing cookies to my open houses…clearly I am the ONLY person that likes them! #openhouseproblems #nomorecookies #counterproductive

A post shared by Tammy Shimek (@tamlynn0726) on Apr 29, 2017 at 12:56pm PDT

Letting cookies go to waste feels like a sin, so when no one else is indulging agents are often compelled to try a treat or two. (Or more…) Plus, nothing helps pass the time like a tasty snack.