Usually when people put their home or other property on the market they do understand that there will be times when their agent calls and says "someone wants to look at your house...now." Or, that there may, in fact, be times when a potential buyer knocks on the door and asks to take a look around. And, most sellers do take these things with a grain of salt and look at it as part of the process of selling their property.
However, when the listing information on the multiple listing service specifically states "must make an appointment" or "appointment is necessary" or "minimum two hours notice required" or something similar...please do not simply show up and expect to be greeted with open arms. If you truly want to see the property, please do the right thing and make an appointment.
Many people are stressed these days, and many of these people are having to try and sell a home they really felt they would spend the rest of their lives living in. Due to this, they really do not want to be present while strangers go through their home. It is very hard on them and it is a very emotional event. While it may be a necessity, it certainly is a very difficult one. Please take a moment and think about how you would feel under the same circumstances.
Or some people have multiple children in the home. It is very difficult to look at property with 2-year-old twins and a 4-year-old wanting to show you their toys one at a time, or asking never ending questions. Truly it would be far better to give the parents ample notice so that they can take the tots to the park or another outing.
Another situation, very similar to children, is that some people have multiple pets. It really doesn't matter what type of pets, sometimes it is best to have the pet owner remove them during a showing. Think about it...would you really want to walk into a home inhabited by two large, not-so-friendly dogs and a 12 foot python named "Frank" who has free run of the sunroom? I didn't think so.
There are many other reasons people require an appointment to show their property, these are just the last several ones I've encountered. But, no matter what the reason, these sellers deserve the common courtesy they are requesting by putting "make appointment" on their listing. By choosing to neglect to make an appointment you might well be able to view the property...but you might be setting yourself up for more than you bargained for.
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