Real Estate Blog - Hide The Medications

Home : Blogs : Ruthman Real Estate : Resilient Real Estate Pros

Hide The Medications

I just read Inman's Article on "Open House Don'ts". The only thing I saw missing from the recipe was "be sure the Seller hides their prescription medications". (Inman Article will self-destruct at mid-night.)

Years ago, I held an open-house for an associate in a lovely upscale neighborhood. Every guest through the door was neatly dressed and I was not suspicious of any "evil doers".

Close to the end of the open house, there were potential buyers going in one direction, and another going toward the opposite end of the home. Placing myself in the middle, I tried to monitor the visitors. Hearing the the medicine chest open, I made it to the bathroom (not expecting to see) a gentleman looking at the bottles in the cabinet. I made a polite comment about plenty of storage in the linen closet and vanity drawers, as well. He put the bottle back and immediately left.

I am pleased to say nothing was taken.

Then there is the question, do you ask for I.D. when showing potential buyers properties?

Posted by Ruthman Real Estate on 03/21/2007 11:16 AM

Comments (9)

open house, agents, buyers, sellers, advice, war stories, new england, connecticut, fairfield, norwalk

This post has been included in Connecticut Information Fairfield County, CT Information Fairfield, CT Information

9 Comments on Hide The Medications

Considering the soaring prices of prescription medication these days, it helps to shop around.

(just kidding)

03/21/2007 11:21 AM

by Gregory Anderson (United Country)

Gregory! Too funny! ;)

03/21/2007 11:40 AM

by Ruthman Real Estate (Ruthman Real Estate)

I can't believe that people actually do that.

03/21/2007 12:08 PM

by Caleb Mardini (M2M)

I was thinking about that very question earlier this week. It seems like that day may not be far off since there are so many people out there that are dishonest. I think if there was a widespread use of showing ID's that open houses would probably die a slow death.

03/21/2007 12:12 PM

by Patrick Brady (RE/MAX Masters)

Caleb, I grew up in a neighborhood where you never had to lock your doors. I agree with you. It is hard to believe that people would actually do that.

Patrick, I have never asked for id at an open-house. Will Sellers make that part of our due-diligence when we hold opens? I don't know.

On a lighter note, I do recall the Jerry Seinfeld episode when Jerry saw his girlfriends "fungus" medication in the medicine cabinet. I wonder if that would put off Buyers?

Thank you for commenting and best wishes.

03/21/2007 12:28 PM

by Ruthman Real Estate (Ruthman Real Estate)

Yep, we copy photo ID at the office before heading out to see property. And if they balk, you need to consider their motives. Considering that the mall requires a photo ID to let you use a credit card these days, it's not too much to ask to protect agents' safety.

03/21/2007 12:57 PM

by Leigh Brown Charlotte NC Broker/Owner (RE/MAX Signature Properties)

Leigh, That is a great point!

Thank you for commenting.

03/21/2007 01:36 PM

by Ruthman Real Estate (Ruthman Real Estate)

I too copy everyone's ID before putting them in my car... I explain it is a safety issue for them and for me.

03/22/2007 06:15 PM

by Central Oregon Real Estate | Thesa Chambers, Broker (RE/MAX Sunset Realty La Pine)

Thesa that is really smart.

This sounds like a typical worried wife, but even when my husband shows houses (and he is a big guy), I wish he would get copy of ids before driving customers around.

Sincerely, I think you are smart for doing so!

03/22/2007 07:11 PM

by Ruthman Real Estate (Ruthman Real Estate)

This blog does not allow anonymous comments