Common sense that isn’t for some

It seems to be happening much too often. I get the call and I can tell they are upset with something. The seller is furious and wants to know who left the door open, broke the mini blinds and turned up the heat in the house? Well maybe not all three all the time, but there seems to always be one of those that apply. This weekend it was all three and I only had one showing that day so it was obvious who it was.

Let’s start at the beginning with one of my pet peeves, showing instructions that waste precious time and oxygen. Centralized Showing Service is who 95% of agents in our area use to set up showings. On their web site or on the phone you can leave instructions that are helpful for the agent showing your property. For instance if the key box is attached to a bush in the front yard or a pit bull named Fluffy is in the master bedroom this information is very helpful to have. These things and others are essential to showing the home and keeping from being scared out of our wits when fluffy sees someone entering his room. What is annoying and repetitive is this instruction. “Lock all doors, turn off all lights and do not adjust the thermostat “. “Do not let the cat out” is up there as well but I can understand this one since some people don’t know that cats can be escape artists.

Does it seem like common sense not to leave the doors open or unlocked when you leave from showing a home? Does anyone think that in the 10 minutes you show my listing turning the thermostats to 80 will actually make it more comfortable?

We are entrusted as Realtors with going into complete strangers homes. This is a huge responsibility and one that we shouldn’t take lightly. As of right now I refuse to leave showing instructions with CSS that insult the intelligence of 99% of Realtors. If my telling you to make sure all doors are locked is key to you remembering, than you have many more issues. Resist the temptation to adjust the thermostat and if you just can’t help yourself then turn it back down when you leave! If you break some blinds tell me! No one would be that upset. Things happen but they are much worse when they are left for a seller to find. Last of all, admit it when you are caught.

I admit I sent the email last night when I was a bit angry. Remember that only one showing happened that day and she was it. I thanked her for showing but informed her that things were not left as they should have been. (I did not mention the broken blinds) I asked her to please do a better job if she showed any of my other listings in the future. The response I received in all caps claimed that she had not been the guilty person and I will never have to worry about her ever showing another one of my listings again. I guess that solves that problem… for now.