Home Showing Mistakes: Item Two, Pets!

I read an article in REALTOR Mag last month about the top 10 "worst home-showing offenses" - in other words, major mistakes people make when showing their homes. I'd like to share them with you, along with tips for avoiding them.

The second mistake dealt with pets in the home during showings. Many agents pointed out that unfriendly cats and dogs in a home make showings difficult, if not impossible. Even when pets are crated, they may be protesting noisily during the showing and prevent a potential buyer from entering a room.

Moving is a stressful time for pets, and having strange people viewing the home only adds to that. If possible, take your pet with you when you're out during showings. If that's not possible, whether because you're at work or because your cat doesn't walk on a leash, investigate other places for your pet to be. Maybe your cat can spend the day at your friend's house. Maybe your dog can go to "doggie daycare." Help your showings go more smoothly and make your pet's day a little easier, too.

Home Showing Mistakes: Item One, "Leftover Home Owners"

I read an article in REALTOR Mag last month about the top 10 "worst home-showing offenses" - in other words, major mistakes people make when showing their homes. I'd like to share them with you, along with tips for avoiding them.

The first mistake is being around during a showing. The REALTOR Mag article mentions owners being asleep in bed, in the shower, and even following potential buyers through the home! To avoid being caught sleeping, showering, or doing other things when your home is being shown, make sure your realtor has good contact information for you: your cell phone number, the email address you check most frequently. And when you know there's going to be a showing, put it in your calendar and maybe even set an alarm for yourself.

As far as following prospective buyers through the home: don't. Even if you are curious about their reactions, remember that your goal in listing your home is to sell it. Part of selling your home is letting buyers explore it in private and imagine it as their own.

More next time!

Code of Ethics: Conclusion

The first realtor code of ethics was written in 1913, 100 years ago. It was presented at the National Association of Realtors (known then as the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges) annual convention in Winnipeg, Canada, in July. So, in recognition of the 100th birthday (July, 2013), I wanted to mention the duties that were important then.

The code was called the “Ethics of the Real Estate Profession—Adopted by National Association of Real Estate Exchanges.” This code was divided into 2 sections. The first was called “Duties to Clients” and the second section was called “Duties to Other Brokers.”

During that time, there were curbside real estate agents, robber barons, & sharks. There was misleading advertising, land fraud, forged deeds and notes, and other unscrupulous acts. In 1908, several real estate groups got together to create a national group. They communicated by letters and met annually. The reputable agents were dismayed that there continued to be illegal acts. The agents agreed that, at the annual meeting of 1913, they would create a code of ethics by which the agents would agree to behave. For more information about the NAR code, you can view this video:  http://www.realtor.org/videos/video-origins-of-the-code-of-ethics

There have been changes during the past 100 years. However, we who are real estate agents belonging to the National Association of Realtors have agreed to abide by the current Code of Ethics and can call ourselves a Realtor. The current Code of Ethics is available here: http://www.realtor.org/governance/governing-documents/the-code-of-ethics

As Realtors in Colorado, we are required to take an ethics class every 4 years. It is important to me to treat the buying public, my clients, and other brokers with respect and protect the trust in me and in the land. Yes, I take it seriously.