2. Remove your shoes and turn off the lights when you leave!

Most people take their shoes off naturally when entering someone’s home. If you’re wondering; yes, it is the norm when viewing houses, unless told otherwise. This is also my friendly reminder to wear good shoes when going on showings. I learned early on that slip-ons are the best when showing. Bring socks! Even if you’re wearing sandals to showings it’s smart to bring a pair of socks to wear when walking around someone else’s home. Next, turn off lights when you leave. This is technically your Realtors responsibility. However, everyone needs a reminder now and then and more heads are better than one. I’ve had a couple out-of-town Seller horror stories of lights left on and electricity bills to prove it. Give your Realtor a hand and keep your eyes out for lights left on or doors not locked. It’s easy to get distracted talking to clients while walking through or leaving a property.

3. Remember someone could be watching or listening.

I don’t mean to scare you but this is increasingly more common. I treat each house as if there’s a surveillance camera. In today’s day and age, with products like Ring Doorbell, this is a real possibility. This rule isn’t about treating the home respectfully. It is so you don’t show all your cards, so to speak.  If you love a home and spend the whole showing discussing how perfect the home is then a crafty Seller will use this when negotiating and hold out. Conversely, if you like a home but comment only on things that need fixing, this too could affect your chances in a multiple offer situation. The final reason is human nature. Other’s interior design choices might not be to your liking and harmless comments, or sassy ones depending on your humor, can sour negotiations before they start.

4. Be cautious if you’re bringing loved ones or children.

It’s by no means an unwise decision to bring loved ones to showings or open houses. Just be careful when doing so. It can be harder to concentrate when worried about relatives and children roaming the house. Referring to rule #3 you can’t control what they’ll say or who will hear it. Well-meaning family might disclose your financial situation or issues selling your current home through flippant comments. A good rule of thumb is to bring loved ones you trust to be discreet to a second showing. I also give this rule out so Buyers can blame me for saying no to pushy relatives. Feel free to tell them your Realtor strongly suggests they don’t come on the initial showing.