Recently I went on a showing with a buyer. ( Yes there are still buyers out there). Unfortunately this down turn in the market has caused many sellers to consider renting their properties; Such was the case with this listing.
My first clue to the trouble we were in for was when I unlocked the lock box and the key did not work. I looked at my buyer and she looked at me. We had a confirmed appointment, and upon closer inspection noticed the back door was open on the lanai ( screen porch for all you Northerners).
We headed around to the back of the house and noticed a note in the lanai with pet instructions for showings. Feeling confident that this was left for our benefit we made our way inside.
The house did not appear horribly dirty but was in a state of slight disarray. There were shoes strewn about, a few dishes here and there and an unkempt feeling. We made our way to the two bedrooms and shared bathroom. My customer turned around with a grimace and pointed over her shoulder. I immediately noticed the
open toilet with how shall we say... oh well here goes.... lots of PEE in it.... GROSS!!!! ( this is not an actual picture)
After quickly scurrying away from the bathroom we pick our way past some dirty laundry and enter the master suite. Ahhh suite makes you think something nice right? Wrong... AGAIN the same toilet scene... more PEE... I back out quickly and my customer says come here there is something you should see.... Now I know she works at a hospital and has a strong stomach but nothing prepared me for the oddity I saw next...
YES your eyes do not deceive you... I saw GUM! Chewed, old, nasty GUM! Now folks mind you there wasn't just one piece like I have shared with you all here ( again picture is a representation of the gum) there was a month's ( 30 plus pieces) worth of chewed, old, nasty GUM. It was Florida's largest chewed gum collection. It was next to the bed on the bedside table on a magazine, lots and lots of pieces of it. Is it possible this tenant didn't want the house to sell or was just a real piggy? or possibly an official gum chewer for Trident? hmmmm
Well that was enough for me! ( and my customer) We were looked at each other and said " THAT IS SO DISGUSTING!" Out the lanai, ( carefully closing the door so that cat did not get out) and into the car we headed on to our next house and hopefully a better experience ( it was, thank goodness).
A day later the listing agent called for feedback. I know I hear you all sharply inhaling in anticipation... Yes I am not one to mince words so I told her the entire story. She was equally horrified, explained they were desperately and legally trying to be rid of the renter, and then there was a long pause.... (this is where under better circumstances when a listing wasn't what my buyer needed I'd say I'd keep it mind and mean it ,but I really wanted to erase it from my mind. ) Finally after much apologizing she laughed and said " I really don't know what else to say..." I laughed with her and said What a job!
Another day in the life of a Realtor® and another reason I keep a large bottle of hand sanitizer in my car!
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