Home Sellers Say Take Your Shoes Off

I like the idea of booties versus bare feet. When touring homes, we are guest and need to follow the Seller's wishes.

One house that I staged had brand new carpet. I made (upon the Realtor/Broker's knowledge and request) a sign that was framed and left at the front door on a small table that I provided (a vacant house that I staged). The sign said "Brand New Carpet! Thank you for removing your shoes."  Disposable booties were provided in a basket on the floor beneath the table.

The other house that I staged - also a vacant with LOTS of hardwood flooring - the Realtor/Broker had made a sign that said "Please remove your shoes". There were disposable booties provided. Certain heels can scuff up hardwood flooring.

I would hope that a buyer would not be offended by this because it shows that the house has been well maintained and the seller wants to pass this on to the next owner! I know it is a pain, but it's best to honor the request, I think!

When doing inspections I carry a pair of house shoes that I use inside the house.

Two reasons, one it lessens the likelihood that I will track anything into the house, and two there are a lot of houses I don't want my stocking feet to contact.

I can relate to both sides of this.  Often I will take off my shoes because of rain not wanting to track anything into the home.  I have often seen my customers follow suite.  Sometimes the Reatlor should lead by example.

Beth Atalay, I admire the thoughtfulness of this Real Estate industry post on respecting the home.

It is just being respectful of others.  Yes, we can all overlook something occasionally, but these little things we do not do when previeiwng a home are part of the reputation we get as "Realtors".

If my seller requests shoes off, I leave booties at the property. 90% of homes in Irvine are "no shoes zones". When touring with buyers, I prepare them accordingly.

While we prefer that buyers could wander about as they please, it's not pleasant for a seller to have 40 people traipse through their home.

Ii think it is only right to adhere to the etiquette of showing houses.

If I have a seller that requests shoes to be removed, I supply a basket of shoe covers to be placed at the door. In my opinion, it serves the same purpose and avoids making a buyer uncomfortable. 

What a hot topic. Here in my town it is rare we get asked to take off our shoes but so far when I have run into it, there has been booties there. I do agree with some folks on here that it is a fine line. Yes it is their home but they also can't make it so difficult to show. Unfortunately unless it is a dead on hit for what folks want, some folks will never proceed to view it if it makes them too uncomfortable. 

Great topic, Beth.  I had to swin back around for a comment...

I have never quite understood this request (most of the time, anyway.)  There are certainly times (rare) that I have perceived it to be a cultural request.  For this I understand.

However, for the normal, everyday seller, I say like many of you, "Are you really wanting to sell your house by making it more difficult to show?"  My suggestion would be to roll out some of that carpet protector "Seran Wrap" in the areas that are most important to you.

I put this on the level of a seller who lists a $400,000 home for sale but states that he $300 (used) water filtration system does not convey... Really!

Cheers,

David

Beth, this was true in several of our listing but we always provided the tyvek booties at the door when showing.  They're tough enough to go over their shoes if it was necessary to do that. 

Providing shoe coverings when you prefer no shoes in the home is an excellent idea!  It will surely help make more visitors comply with the homeowner's wishes. 

I have found it interesting over the years that my Canadian clients remove their shoes before entering homes without being asked to do so.  

Seller provided coverings are best if that is what the seller wants to do. It makes it easier for everyone.

Thanks for the post.

I think we have some of the best reads out there on Active Rain. Thanks for sharing