Special offer

How old should a child be left at home during a Home Showing?

Reblogger Lenn Harley
Real Estate Agent with Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate 303829;0225082372

FOR THE RECORD.

OR, just so you know. . . .

When previewing properties prior to showing buyers, . . . . .

 

There is no way on this earth that I'm entering a home with only a minor child at home.

 

I HAVEN'T LOST MY MIND!!!!!

Original content by Scott Godzyk NH License 033394

I called to see another companies listing, I was told the kids would be home after school and just go inside. Right away I was uncomfortable and asked if the Listing agent could meet us to let us inside. The lady states "Our agents do not attend home showings, that is the buyer agents job."  I called my Buyer and told them the time they want to see it wont work and this is why. The buyer was as uncomfortable as i was. I called to cancel the showing until a time we could see it before school lets out or later in teh day when the parents either would be home or could pick up the kids. 

 

Right away, Mrs. Big time agent calls demanding why canceled. I tell her thinking perhaps she may meet us to let us in after all. No such thing as she boasts "we show homes all the time, any time and does not matter who is home."

 

As I, my Buyer wondered if the Home Seller knew they were setting up showings when the home owners kids would be home alone. For the safety of all involved, this is a bad idea. The buyer asked if I would ever do that. I told them NO WAY. First thing is when I list a home, i tell the seller that no one should be home during a showing. For those homes with kids, the first option is always to show the home before the kids get home or after they can be picked up. I have had lots of listings with kids home alone. The sellers have always simply either had the kid go to a friends or relatives after school, come get them or worst case, we wait until they can be picked up. 

 

The BOTTOM LINE is that the Listing agent does not know who is coming or going from that home if a showing desk is just sending people. As a home seller you should know this practice exists and you should hire a listing agent willing to protect you, your family and your home. Yes selling the home is the goal, but not at any cost. I always have this conversation with my seller so we can plan accordingly before showings start.

 

The BEST way to go about any home sale or purchase is to know that the consumer should not choose just any agent, choose the BEST agent for the job. My philosophy is simple, provide more personal and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process. All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest. By using a philosophy, which is simple, to provide more personal and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process, I can help you find your dream home 

 

Click here for Manchester area Homes For Sale by clicking here. what is for sale by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

 

The hard truth is that Buying or Selling a home can go as good as the agent you hire. 

 

If you are Buying or Selling a home, you need an agent who will work with you, look out for you and guide you through each step of the Buying and Selling process. Buyers and Sellers should know that they have a choice of agents. Use your choice to hire the BEST agent in your area, and know that bigger is not better. 

 

I have put together a simple recipe for both Home Buyers and Sellers. Follow this along with pricing your home right, and the result can be a SOLD SIGN in your front yard.

 

 

THE TOP TIPS TO FIND A "GREAT" REAL ESTATE AGENT

 

 1. LEARN THIS ONE FACT: One should know that All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest Agent or Company. It is important to Hire the BEST Agent. In NH that could be me.   

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT AGENT: As a Buyer OR Seller in this market you need every advantage you can to get your home sold. It starts with choosing the right agent. a. Ask for a Full time agent whose sole job is to sell homes. b. Ask for a Full service agent who will guide you through each step of the selling process. Discount brokers often equal discount services. c. Ask for a Local agent who knows your neighborhood and is readily available when you need them is a must. Out of town agents can leave you high and dry in your time of need. d. Ask for a well experienced Listing Agent can give you the advantages you need when selling your home. Not all agents are created equal. Choose only the best.  

 3. HOME BUYERS SHOULD START BY:  Getting a FREE PRE-QUALIFICATION with a local and trusted lender. They will look at your credit and financial picture and let you know what type of mortgage you may qualify for and what your interest rate and monthly payment may be.   

4. HOME SELLERS SHOULD START BY: Getting a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS. Learn what your property is worth in today's market along with how ling it may take to sell. If you are ready to sell now, learn what you should ask for it. How much offers may come in at and what the approximate selling price should be. NH Home owners should contact me now.   

 

 

IN SUMMARY the key to having a successful purchase or sale can increase simply choosing a better agent. The secret is that All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest. I leave you with now infamous philosophy, which is simple, to provide more personal and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process.

 

 

It does not take magic to turn your "For Sale" sign into a "Sold" sign. it takes a full time Local Agent who specializes in Listing homes like yours.


If you are thinking of buying a Home please contact us. Get a free pre-qualification along with some of the BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE through each step of the Buying Prices.

 

 

WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE THE BEST POSSIBLE SERVICE THROUGHOUT EACH STEP OF THE LISTING AND SELLING PROCESS!!!

 

If you need to sell your home and you owe more than your house is worth, i may be able to help. I specialize in working with home owners to get your home sold. There are many options such as a short sale which may be able to help you.Please try and avoid out of state or out of town agents and companies that make "out of this world promises". We are local agents with experience who never charge any up front fees.

 

 

 

We are local agents with experience who GET RESULTS!!!

 

We stand by you through every step in selling your home.

 

Another reason that makes New Hampshire a great place to Live, Work and Play.

 

  • About the Author: Scott Godzyk is the Owner/Broker of the Godzyk Real Estate Services in Manchester NH. With 30 years of experience, Scott is a leading Agent for Listing and Selling Homes in this area. To CONTACT Scott Godzyk please call 603.661.2121 or EMAIL: Sctprop@aol.com . We are Full Time Agents ready to serve all of your Real Estate needs through each step of the buying and Selling process. We are proud to be locally owned and operated.

If you have enjoyed reading my blog, please subscribe by clicking below

http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/subscribe?subscribed_agent-id=226993

Copyright 2008-2015, All rights reserved

Posted by


_______________________________________________________________________________________________________


Want to learn more about Loudoun County, VA? Join Loudoun County, VA on Facebook!

Comments(17)

Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I read that post and made a similar comment.  What agent would agree to that?  Crazy talk.

Sep 19, 2015 03:00 AM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Tammy.  Agreed. 

 

Sep 19, 2015 03:04 AM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Coldwell Banker Realty

Lenn Harley Reminds me of a time where we were advised in the MLS - vacant between 9am and 5pm - no need to call - just show.  When Suzanne and I walked in we found several kids in their mid-teens in various rooms of the house!  Wow - we called the listing agent immediately and advised them.  NOT a good thing!

Sep 19, 2015 03:07 AM
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

Lenn Harley,  Thanks for the re-blog.  I totally agree.  I would not ever want to go into a house when minor children were at home.

Sep 19, 2015 03:40 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Lenn - the attitude of that agent really makes me nervous.  Not someone I would trust.

Sep 19, 2015 05:37 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Lenn that is crazy, and that Realtor seems clueless of the liability she is putting herself into as well as others.

Sep 19, 2015 07:02 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Lenn, oh dear.  I've shown houses with young children home along.  

I think that maybe 12 is the age cut off for parents to allow a child to be home alone without incurring the wrath of the child protective services folks.  If I had a listing with children younger than that, I would accompany showings.  

Sep 19, 2015 08:31 AM
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Lenn - I don't care what age the children are, I would not want them at home during a showing. As a listing agent, I wouldn't subject my clients to that, and make arrangements to have the kids, as well as the parents, out of the home for all showings.

Sep 19, 2015 10:03 AM
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I can't believe the parents would approve it, and I can't believe the agent would allow it.

Sep 19, 2015 10:54 AM
Stefan Winter
Real Estate in IL & NV | Owner of Real Estate Web Tech | Daily Vlogger - Las Vegas, NV
Owner - Winter Group & Real Estate Web Tech

That is crazy, from the parents if they knew and the agent that has the listing.

Sep 19, 2015 11:31 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

About 110 would be about right...

No one should be home unless they go outside during the showing.

Sep 19, 2015 01:26 PM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Lenn. Great choice for a re-blog. That is really crazy, I would never have showed the home knowing the information, unless the list agent was going to be there.

Sep 19, 2015 07:38 PM
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

I got permission to show a house around 4pm, told no alarm. Rang the bell several times, no one answered, opened the door and the alarm goes off. Young children alone in the house with the alarm on. I’m trying to deal with the kids, buyers and the cops who showed up. Funny they never show that on the reality shows. 

Sep 20, 2015 06:45 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

This is crazy for both the parents and the listing agent. I have shown house with teenagers at home but never young children left alone. That is not smart.

Sep 21, 2015 01:26 AM
Chip Morgan
Long Realty - Dove Mountain, Marana AZ - Tucson, AZ
LSS, LSE, LMS

I like when another agend is doing something rediculous and they try to bully you and make it look like YOU'RE the crazy one.. NOT A CHANCE!

Sep 22, 2015 03:05 PM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

I am with you on this one Lenn. I can't imagine a seller letting showings happen with a child at home.

Sep 23, 2015 04:24 AM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Tony.  Dejavu all over again.  I've had that same experience.

Sybill.  Smart decision.

Grant.  Besst to trust our own instincts.  If there is a question, DON'T.

George.  It's an example of very poor broker training of their agents.

Patricia.  You bet.  We have to consider all aspects of showing where only young children are in the property for sale.

Troy.  Easier said than done, but worth the effort.

Evelyn.  Ditto.

Stefan.  Indeed.  An example of lack of common sense.

William.  If at all possible, agreed.

Joe.  Just common sense.

David.  HA!  Good example of what the real estate shows should show.

Debbie.  One false accusation and you're on a police blotter.

Chip.  You bet.  Other agents don't have YOUR interest in mind.

Gary.  Oh, I've seen it many times.  I just don't enter, ever.  When the agent calls for feedback, they find out why.

 

 

Sep 23, 2015 10:56 PM