A seller’s home is their private sanctum and that should remain true even when it’s on the market. You can enjoy showings or open houses and protect the seller’s home with these five courtesies.
- Sign in. Sellers and listing agents need to know who’s been in the home so they can ask for feedback. If you tour builder’s homes or open houses unaccompanied, be sure to include your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network professional’s contact information so others know you’re already represented.
- Wear slip-ons. Especially during inclement weather, park your shoes at the front door to keep from dragging mud or other contaminants into the home.
- Establish rules for children. You may prefer to leave the kids at home for first and second viewings, but you’ll want to show them their next home eventually. Tell them to stay by your side, not to touch anything and to refrain from running or horseplay.
- Open closets, cabinets and drawers. Part of what you’re buying is storage and organization, so you have every right to open all closets, built-in cabinets and kitchen drawers. But if a piece of furniture is used instead of a built-in, such as a buffet table or china hutch, you should leave it alone.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. You introduce and take germs with you each time you enter and leave a home, so make sure your hands are clean before you touch anything as well as after the showing is over.
