Showing Homes After A Blizzard

We here in the Denver area get so used to the sun coming back out and melting the snow that we don't think about having to deal with shoveling it at any of our listings. 

With so many vacant homes on the market, I have had the unfortunate challenge these past couple of weeks of having to show homes in lots and lots of snow.  Many of the sidewalks have been completely covered, and some of the driveways and walkways up to homes were literally knee deep in snow.  Because no one has been there to clear the walks, we have had to blaze a trail to the door.  Couple that with the lack of parking because none of the streets have been cleared (except for one narrow lane, as you can see in the picture - and this was AFTER some melting had taken place) and you can begin to see the dilemma that we have been faced with.

I have now added shoveling to the list of things that I have to consider for all of my listings.  Even complexes that offer this service as part of the HOA dues may or may not get to some of the sidewalks and parking areas.  Or, as in the case of my parent's patio home, they may arrive to shovel three days after the snow quits.  Worse yet, they seem to know which units are empty and tend to pile the plowed snow in front of their garages or doors. 

Whenever there is a storm, consider what it will be like for an agent to bring a client.  The goal is to get the property shown, and if that means having the walks cleared, then do it.  Some of my elderly clients decided to skip a couple of homes because they couldn't get through the snow.  How sad...it might have been the perfect home, but with the way things are going, it may be June before I can show it to them again!

Also, consider hitting Home Depot before you go out to buy some cloth booties.  It sure makes it easier to slide them on over shoes or boots rather than having to deal with taking boots off and putting them back on.  Your clients will love you for it.