Sellers can be fussy about what happens when a buyer tours their home. Now that everyone has cameras - you are being recorded. Check out what you should NOT do when touring a home.
Do Not Use the Bathroom
Unless it is an emergency, do not use the bathroom in the house. Sellers are often irate at the idea that potential buyers have used their restroom. If it is an emergency, use the guest bathroom or the powder room but not the master bath.
Do Not Eat or Drink on the House
Definitely do not eat or drink any of the seller's food or beverages unless it is clearly marked as complimentary. Also, avoid bringing your own food or drink into the home as well. Accidents can happen and you do not want to leave a mess or stain the carpet or furniture.
Do Not Track Mud
In Atlanta we have the red Georgia clay which, when tracked inside the home can be very difficult to get out of carpet. If you think that you have dirt or mud on your shoes, just remove them at the door and then proceed with the showing. Often the seller will leave shoe coverings at the door to avoid any potential issues.
Do Not Litter
Make sure to take all of your items with you. Do not leave items on the counter or floor for the seller to clean when they return. Especially don't leave trash, mask or shoe coverings on the outside porch or lawn. Make this a practice with your children if bringing them to showings.
Do Not Bring Pets
Do not bring pets of any kind into the seller's home. The seller could be allergic to pets and could have a reaction to the odor or pet hair. Your pet could have an accident in the home, which could create a problem if done on the carpet. It is also not wise to leave pets in the car for any extended period of time.
Do Not Sit on the Furniture
It may be tempting to sit on the furniture to ask your Realtor a question or discuss next steps. This is also a "no-no". A piece of furniture may be broken and sitting on it may worsen the condition. Also, some homes are staged and the furniture is not strong enough to handle the weight of someone sitting on it.
Do Not Talk Price Inside
Strategic conversations regarding offers, pricing or seller motivation are best held outside of the home. Assume that every word can be heard from the seller so don't talk strategy. Also, if this is your dream home and you "will do anything to get it" don't show that level of excitement in the house. You don't want to show your hand to the seller. On the flip side, if you hate the house and can't understand why they painted this color or show these chairs, be kind and courteous while in the home.
Do Not Bring Kids (If Possible)
This one may not be possible for any buyers, but if you are able to secure a babysitter or if the children are old enough to leave at home, then consider doing so. There is an increased risk of an accident or issue if children, particularly young ones, are allowed to wander through the house.
Do Not Touch Anything
Do not touch anything in the home. It is very easy to pull the wrong string or touch the wrong button and a disaster happens. It is expected for buyers to open cabinets and closet doors, but even in doing so the buyer has to be careful. There is not a reason to touch personal items that will not remain after the sale.
Do Not Bring A Crowd
Please keep in mind that you are touring someone's home. Avoid bringing a large crowd to showings. Limit the number of people to decision makers only when possible. You can always bring parents, siblings or best friends back once under contract.
Comments