Recently I read an article regarding sellers asking prospective buyers to remove their shoes before viewing the home (View article here).
Sellers may have many reasons to ask people to remove their shoes before entering their home: Cultural reasons, cleanliness, preservation of carpets and woods etc. It certainly seems like a simple and easy request, but some buyers feel "put off" by this request and the debate is that it can actually inhibit a sale.
Some schools of thought believe that buyers will understand and appreciate that a seller wants to keep their home in pristine condition and will actually impress a buyer by showing how seriously a seller takes this request.
Others believe it is a hindrance because it can make a buyer feel silly to bare their socks and or feet, just to look at a property that they don't know if they are going to like.
What do you think? Would a request like this put you off, or make you think twice about entering a home, or is it perfectly reasonable to ask people to remove their shoes, even during an open house?
Your comments are appreciated!
Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH - Avon Lake, OH
Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,
Oh I don't think it hurts a sale. In fact it shows value in the home. People will look at that home as a well cared for maintained home.
Sep 14, 2010 04:41 PM
Top Agents Atlanta Metro - Milton, GA
I would think that buyers would really appreciate getting a home that is turnkey with like new flooring because the owners have been so careful as to not walk in the house with shoes. If people are put off by such a small thing, I don't think I would want them in my car. Come on, too much drama!!!
Sep 14, 2010 04:42 PM
Crescent Realty, Inc. Spanaway, WA. - Spanaway, WA
CNE, CRS, GRI
I think that it's a detriment to a sale. What if the buyer doesn't have their best socks on when they come to look at the house?
I believe that it's a listing agents "duty" to explain away the no sock thing.
Sep 14, 2010 04:51 PM
RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage - Oakville, ON
Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
In my trading area it is expected that buyers and agents remove their shoes when entering. Some agents even put up please remove shoes signs in the foyer. It is just expected so no big deal.
Sep 14, 2010 04:52 PM
Luxe Realty Group - Plano, TX
Making Dallas Home
I have had sellers who request their shoes be taken off, of course in the winter, its a little harder to pull your boots off, but a good compromise is a box of booties (like the doctors wear). I learned to take my shoes off in my home but I don't usually ask guests, they can see the pile of shoes at the door and usually follow suit but some people aren't comfortable walking barefoot in others homes (me, lol)..
Sep 14, 2010 04:56 PM
Mortgage Finders Canada Inc., Mortgage Brokerage, Lic# 11118 - Toronto, ON
Principal Broker / Mortgage Broker, AMP
A simple solution is to bring along a pair of clean slippers and/or wear socks when going into other houses.
Sep 15, 2010 01:43 AM
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