Oh the weather outside is frightful

For those of us in the northern climes, this is the time of the year when the sun is low in the sky, and even when the sun is up there, we don't feel the full force.  For those of you in more temperate climes, you can go get yourself a snack, while I talk to the rest... g'wan... we'll wait.

The weather outside is frightful.  Some of our neighbours to the north have already experienced measurable snow and sub-zero temperatures. Fortunately, that hasn't hit my area yet.  We've had a couple of flurries... perhaps a dusting of the white-stuff.  But nothing worth breaking out the shovel for.

As the weather turns sloppy, and the sun begins her annual hibernation.  Let's try to remember to "acclimate" our listings.  Make sure that you have a sign at your listings that says "please wear booties, or remove your shoes..."  And make certain to have booties in place, if you use them.

A tray in place to accept those removed-shoes, so they don't just drip all over the foyer floor, after slogging through 2 feet of snow to access the house.

Speaking of slogging, let's make sure that the path to the front door is cleared.  No, that doesn't mean that you, the Realtor, need to shovel the walk.  But talk to your seller and make sure that something is arranged for someone to clear the walk, and almost more importantly... salt the walk, so it doesn't get icy and slippery.  See if a neighbourhood kid will handle it. The last thing we want is an injury and a claim against the owners insurance!  Nothing will sour a showing faster than that.

For those who use lockboxes, whether combo or electronic.  Try to remember that those lockboxes are NOT impervious to weather. If they are outside (not between the storm door and the house door) and exposed to the elements, it might be a good idea to cover them in a zip-loc-style baggie, to keep the rain, sleet, hail out of them, so they don't freeze.  A frozen lockbox is a source of irritation for all!

Also, let's make sure that the heat in our listings is kept at a tolerable level (it doesn't have to be paradise in there, but it does have to feel pleasant enough that the viewers aren't shivering their way through the showing.  You want them to feel at home, not a NOME!  heh, heh... I like that one!)

And for those homes that are vacant, it's even more important to make sure that the heat is on, so that the pipes don't burst!  Stop by your vacant properties once every week or so... to make sure that there haven't been any vandals, nothing has broken, the toilet isn't leaking, and the basement isn't full of water.

Let's have fun out there, shall we?  Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful....