Okay all.  As the weather begins to turn toward Winter, here in the Midwest, I thought it might be an appropriate time to remind agents how to view/show their homes during the colder months.  A few reminders of things that are important to note during the winter months.

As the Listing Agent:

1) If you use a lock box, please make sure that the lock box is "protected" from the elements... so that they don't "Freeze".  Placed on the door knob is okay, if protected by a storm door.  Placed outside on the water spigot (where drips of water will encase it in a coffin of ice) is not.

And please make sure that the promised key is actually IN the lockbox! Check it occasionally.

2) If your property is vacant...

    a) check your property frequently... make sure that mail is collected

    b) make sure the walk is clear of snow/ice (have your seller pay to hire a neighborhood kid, if necessary)

    c) provide a nice mat in the foyer for wet shoes/boots. It will serve as a 2nd reminder (aside from the note that says "kindly remove your shoes") to remove their dirty/wet shoes and boots.

    d) make sure that the temperature in the house is sufficient to prevent pipes from bursting, and pleasant enough for buyer's comfort.

    e) keep property clean / neat ... vacant houses tend to collect dirt in the foyer, and dust bunnies throughout...

    f) make sure there are enough lights in each room to view, if viewed later in the evening.

    g) protect your property from vandals and thieves by using a few timed-lights to mimic someone is at home

3) Make sure there are plenty of printed materials (listings, flyers) in the house to provide the buyer's agent with good sources of information.  You want to make your listings sales-pitch "idiot-proof"... cause you and I both know... that there will be some "idiots" showing your property.  Even though they've opted not to be informed... you can supply them with all the information they need to sell your listing through flyers, and well-positioned note cards.

4) Make sure the key/remote for the garage is available, and clearly visible

As the Buyer's Agent:

1) If the weather outside is "frightful" (rain / snow)... please, please, please, remove your shoes/boots, whether asked to or not.

2) Please make sure to leave the lights, as you've found them.  If they were on when you arrived, leave them on.  If they were off when you arrived, return them to the off position.

3) Do not mess with lights that are on a timer.

4) Please leave the window blinds/drapes as you found them.  If they were closed when you arrived, return them to closed.  If they were open... well, you get the idea.

5) If the house is vacant, and you find a problem there (piles of magazines at the door, lots of dirty footprints in the foyer, or tracked through the house, the prior agent left the back door wide opened, or perhaps leaking water pipes...standing water in the basement... maybe a strong gas-odor in the house).. please make sure to track down the listing agent to let them know... immediately.

6) If you accessed the house with a lockbox key... please, please, please return the key to the lockbox as found.  Do not leave the property with the key in your pocket.  If by chance you DO leave the house with the key... return as soon as possible!!  If you are called by the agent or their office... don't be rude and belligerent about returning the key... YOU were the one who screwed up... do whatever you can, as quickly as you can to make it better.

Above all, be courteous and thoughtful.  You're in someone's home, whether it's occupied or not.  Treat it as you would your own.

Those of you located below the frost-line, can sit back, relax and have some sweet-tea.