This was not a showing - they were buyers!

They don't want to sell.  That's the bottom line.  Either they "need" to sell and those people will or they "want" to sell and those people won't.

Pretty frustrating. 

I hope those were not actual photos, and were for illustration purposes only.

What type of offer are they hoping to get on a property in that condition?

If that were my clients home, we would be having a sit down and possibly a firing. If you let it go un-mentioned, imagine the condition it could be in next time.

Great advice....It IS a partnership. I can't believe how some would even say that it's too much trouble. What's so hard about picking up after themselves???

Nanette I don't know if you do Re-Blogs - but I'd love to do this one!  What a good example for our clients!

WOW! One thing I've learned is that it doesn't matter HOW many times you show it, it only takes ONE.

And then, if, just if, they are lucky enough to have the buyers still want the house after seeing it like that, it's even worse by the time I show up to do a home inspection. Consequently, I have to disclaim so much of the house because things are not visible or accessible. Then the Buyers move in and find all sorts of problems in the areas that were not visible or accessible. They sue anyone and everyone involved in the real estate transaction. It's not pretty

Nanette, It is amazing some of the stuff that I see in homes that people are selling. Kinda makes you wonder doesn't it...

It takes a lot to overlook the mess.  I would have a sit down with the seller and if she is not willing to continue to present her house in an acceptable fashion then I would ask her if she might not be more comfortable with someone else.  I know it is hard once you have put $ into marketing a property but it is Like Throwing Good Money After Bad if they won't cooperate.

Nannette - I've seen this more from those that are dis-hearted and beside themselves when they are facing a foreclosure, however not all homeowners lose interest! If you are serious and have desire to sell your home, it's very important to keep it show ready at all times. No one said it was going to be easy, especially if you have a large family and everyone contributes to the untidiness! Sellers need to understand that it's going to be a huge commitment to keep it picture perfect! So, tell me those aren't actual pictures of the house your buyer went too?

Wow, Nannette,

I'd be humiliated in someone saw my house looking like that!   Are they crazy?

Good luck with that one.

Nannette - If only we could stage the home have the sellers live somewhere else and then we would always be able to show the home on the drop of a hat. ... unfortunately that is not possible so we have to live with frustrated vendors, 24 hours notice for showings and so on.

Where is this sellers motivation!!!! I would be embarrased if someone saw my house looking like this..... They can't be serious!

Hey, Nannette. I don't think that I could ever live like that. What are they thinking or not thinking? Thanks and have a great weekend, Jim

Thank goodness that most sellers are not like the one you describe! Other wise, to quote you we would all get sick and tired of marketing. LOL.

If only sellers could hear the comments when buyers and agents walk through their home in this condition.  So much of house showing is psychological and buyers don't want to be reminded of house work as they walk through, not to mention, they may assume the seller hasn't taken care of the house.  It's hard work and it's a partnership between the agent and seller to sell the home. Someone isn't doing their part.