How to show homes

I have been showing homes for about a year now.  I have seen beautiful homes, messy homes, and everything in between.  I am always conscious of the fact that I am entering another person’s living space.  This is not a model home or an empty building; this is that person’s home.  They live here.  They are trusting me, as the realtor, and my clients, as potential buyers, to enter and walk through their home while they are not there.  They have placed a level of faith in us, and in the system, to protect and respect their place.

I always leave the home as I have found it.  I double-check that doors are locked, lights are on or off as wished, and pets are where they should be.  We do not touch their personal belongings; we do not look through dresser drawers or medicine cabinets.  Children do not play with the toys they find.   At the same time we have to spend some time looking at the size of the closets and the cleanliness of the stove.  We need to see what the refrigerator is like on the inside, if it is included in the offer.  We need to walk around outside, and to check out the garage.  We are not pet sitters, and although we do our best to keep the animals either inside or outside, we can’t guarantee the animal’s behavior.  So far no animals have escaped on my watch, and I hope to keep it that way. 

Just remember, when you are selling a house that many people will be walking through the home and looking at everything.  When you are buying a home, and walking through, treat that home as if it were your own.    Happy House Hunting!