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You See The Darndest Things When You Show Property - Part I

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

You see the darndest things in people's homes when you show property.  Yesterday I was out showing homes in a toney part of Annapolis Maryland.  When we entered one of the bedrooms - used as a den/home office - we came across a pig statue.  It wasn't just any pig, but, a pig with a bit of an "tude" as the kids say (attitude).  Prominently displayed on a table all to itself, the pig (pictured below) is posed in an arrogant stance don't you think?  The buyers got a chuckle out of it and I did too, so, I couldn't resist the photo op.

You See The Darndest Things When You Show Property

I'm not sure what the owner would think, and no offense is intended, but the pig should go.  What we think is way cool could offend or turn buyers off to a particular home.  It's probably best to remove personal items and unusual art objects before putting your home on the market.

Last week, out showing waterfront property, I came across a platter mounted on the wall ... "Everything tastes better when there's dog hair in it!".  I couldn't agree more - being the dog lover that I am - but not everyone will agree, especially if they're "cat people" instead of "dog people".  I should have taken a photo of that one, but, I missed the opportunity.  Perhaps I'll go back for a "second showing" and sneak a picture.

When sellers put their home on the market it should be "show room ready".  Sellers should create an environment to encourage buyers to purchase their home.  Tip-top showing condition can be hard to achieve in today's hectic world with jobs and kids and pets.  Sellers should strive to do their very best.

What is the darndest thing you've seen in someone's home when you've shown property?

Posted by

Stephen Howell, Sales Associate, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis, MarylandIf you are interested in buying a home in Annapolis, Maryland or the surrounding area and want to tour any property currently on the market, or if you have a home to sell in Annapolis, Maryland and want a professional consultation on current market conditions, please contact Stephen Howell at 443-994-8043 or e-mail him at showell@liveinannapolis.com or visit his website at LiveInAnnapolis.com.

Stephen Howell came to Annapolis to enjoy the Chesapeake bay in 1994. What he discovered was a whole new lifestyle. Ever since Stephen Howell has been successfully helping others make the most of Annapolis, Maryland. You'll find that with the right professional by your side, you can Live the lifestyle and live, work and play in Annapolis Maryland.

Stephen Howell and Jackson (his hound-mix from the HSSC) maintains residences on the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland and Gulf Coast in Sarasota, Florida. He works in the Annapolis, Maryland real estate market. His website lets people search the Annapolis Maryland area MLS. Buyers can also search for waterfront homes along the Cheasapeake Bay. His website has current real estate data on Annapolis, Maryland.

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Comments(6)

Team Honeycutt
Allen Tate - Concord, NC

The pig is cute and interesting. As for the platter on the wall, I find it hard to appreciate it. Ha.  It would definitely need to go.

Betty

Jun 22, 2012 01:35 AM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

Stephen, you are so right. .. .anything the least controversial is not present in a good listing 

I can swallow the pig. .but the dog hair?. .yuk!

Jun 22, 2012 01:36 AM
F U
nobody - Alamance, NT
Dead

To funny, they must have that pig to make the statement "Who said pigs get slaughtered". Most clients don't think about the little trinkets they have acquired over the years and they may take the photo of Auntie Ann down but they forget the little trinkets that mat have a funny sense of humor to them but to others it may be not be so swine....

Jun 22, 2012 01:39 AM
Diane Daley
Caron's Gateway Real Estate - Northumberland, NH

Too funny, I have never seen one like it, but I agree, roast the pig and get it out of there...

Jun 22, 2012 01:40 AM
Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR
Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA
(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Stephen,

I usually think all photos and statues of animals are cute but you are right....he is hideous and should be removed. But on the other hand maybe it will make the buyers remember which house they liked. "You remember honey, it was the one with the ugly pig statue" as you want your home to stand out. But if it hurts the owners feelings, it is not worth it as it might be special and they may think it is beautiful.

Jun 22, 2012 01:53 PM
Stephen Howell
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Annapolis, MD
Annapolis MD Homes For Sale 443-994-8043

Kristin ... You comment "you remember honey, it was the one with the ugly pig statue" is right on the mark.  Buyers remember homes by some feature that stands out, "the yellow house", "the pig statue house", "the ... fill in the blank ... house".  So buyers, do you really want your home remember by something negative?

Caron ... Yep the pig should history.  But what about a kitchen full of roosters and hens?  You can find a veritable barn yard of animal statues and replicas.  Sometimes they lay an egg too.

Janine ... I'd add to that "all pigs are beautiful"!!!

Fernando ... Hmmm, I would have taken you for a dog person.  Life without a dog, means a dog hair free life.  There was a short time when I was between beloved pets, and was pet hair free.  Try as I might, it gets everywhere.  Just for fun I googled "how many hairs are on a dog?"  I got answers from 2 billion to 6.5 billion.  Now that's a lot of hair!!!

Betty, the pig and the platter go hand-in-hand.  What we think is cute or funny can be fowl or offensive.  Sellers need to neutralize their home, not sanitize, just neutralize.

Jun 22, 2012 08:44 PM