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?

 

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Stephen Howell, Associate Broker, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Annapolis, MarylandIf you are interested in buying or renting 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 or rent in Annapolis, Maryland and want a professional consultation on current market conditions, please contact me at 443-994-8043 or e-mail me at showell@cbmove.com or visit my website at LiveInAnnapolis.com.

Stephen Howell came to Annapolis to sail the 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. You'll find that with the right professional by your side, you can Live the Lifestyle and Live in Annapolis.

Stephen Howell and Rocky (his lab-mix from the SPCA of Anne Arundel County in Annapolis) live on the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, Maryland. He works in the Annapolis real estate market. His website lets people search the Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area MLS. Buyers can also search for waterfront homes along the Chesapeake Bay. His website has current real estate data on Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and Maryland.

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6 Comments on You See The Darndest Things When You Show Property - Part I

JUN
22
610,018 Points Outside Blog

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
8:35am • #1
1,420,216 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

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!
8:36am • #2
101,796 Points

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....
8:39am • #3
509,528 Points 2 Featured Posts

Too funny, I have never seen one like it, but I agree, roast the pig and get it out of there...
8:40am • #4
591,057 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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.
8:53pm • #5
JUN
23
273,436 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

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.
3:44am • #6

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Stephen Howell

Selling Annapolis MD Luxury and Waterfront Homes

Annapolis, MD

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Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Address: 170 Jennifer Road Ste 102, Annapolis, MD, 21401

Office Phone: (410) 224-2200

Cell Phone: (443) 994-8043

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