Come On In? Not Yet. A Vacant Home Isn’t An Invitation to Show Anytime
A vacant home is not an invitation to just come on in. Often homes that appear to be vacant, really aren't and even vacant homes aren't always vacant. A friend or family member might be staying there temporarily, there may be workers present, the floors may have been newly waxed and refinished or an alarm may need to be deactivated. Viewing one without an appointment is equivalent to trespassing. Michael Jacobs does a great job explaining why a vacant home isn't just an invitation to show anytime.
Come On In? Not Yet. A Vacant Home Isn’t An Invitation to Show Anytime
With most home buyers conducting their primary search online before contacting a real estate professional - there can be some mis-conceptions about viewing homes for sale. Online photos of these homes can lead to issues, preconceived ideas or just plain confusion for some home buyers.
Let's say your agent has lined up homes for you to view on a given day. On your way to one of those homes you pass by one you remember seeing online. Yes, that home is vacant you recall and ask your agent to stop to take a look. Not so fast -- it may look vacant but it still requires your agent to review the showing instructions.
A vacant home is not an open invitation to show anytime. Maybe the home isn’t actually vacant. It actually could be occupied. Maybe there is a security system or alarm that needs to be disarmed. Maybe there are other reasons. Actually, it doesn’t matter --- you see there is a protocol that needs to be followed. It is our duty as real estate professionals to follow showing instructions...so even if you think a home is vacant and easy to see/show -- it isn’t an invitation to show anytime.
So don’t think a vacant home means we can just show up and use my lockbox key and see that home you saw online….it’s not quite so simple.
Come On In? Not Yet. A Vacant Home Isn’t An Invitation to Show Anytime
Michael Jacobs
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
BRE # 01165532
2065 Huntington Drive
San Marino, California 91108
Cellular: 818.516.4393
Office: 626.685.5246
Office Fax: 626.568.9507
michaeljacobs@coldwellbanker.com
www.camoves.com/michael.jacobs
Comments(8)