We all had to sit through this boring class learn about how many days to turn in a deposit check, and how long you have in order to request an EDO (Escrow Disbursement Order), but what they did not teach you was common sense.

I was reading Jim Crawfords Blog about the Potty Stop, and got me thinking.  This is so very true.  So I have composed a list of items that Real Estate School should have taught you, but didn't

1. When showing property please do not show up in Shorts and a Tank Top it may be inappropriate.
2. Make sure your clients and your self have fully gone to the bathroom prior to showing property. We do not want any accidents when I tell you that you cannot use the bathroom.
3. When making appointments.  Keep them or if you cannot Call to Cancel.  If you don't call I expect to read about you in the obituary.
4. To open the sliding glass door make sure you click to open, and their is no stopper or wooden bar to hold it back.  (I just had a realtor break a sliding glass door in my clients home)
5. When under contract make sure you actually have the escrow deposit checks prior to telling the realtor you have them.
6. Make sure you do not tell the realtor that your buyer is approved if he or she is not.
7. When stepping in dog shit or gum outside, make sure you clean it off before entering a home you are showing.
8. When showing property with children make sure your customers are equipped to handle them so they do not break anything.  (Mace can, a hitting stick, and a leash)
9. Make sure you bring a business card so you may give to the owner or listing agent.
10. When showing the home do not pull on or tear drapes.
11. When talking to other realtors remember if you have nothing nice to say do not say it all.
12. Please remember the objective and that is to get the deal done not who is right or wrong.
13. Please do not act as a lawyer when trying to represent your client.  As they are not a client they are a customer.
14. Please do not bring your bathing suit and go swimming in the property you are showing.  (yes this really happened)
15. If you have not eaten please do not help yourself to the my client's food in the refrigerator.
16. If it is a hot day, and you see bottles of water in the refrigerator THEY ARE NOT YOURS so please do not let your clients take them.
17. Please return phone calls within 4 days.  After 4 days it becomes very rude.
18. If you do not know the answer to a question do not make it up.
19. If there are pets in the home do not let them out of the home.  If you accidentally do so then call the agent to let them know.
20. If there is an alarm code please do not forget it, and when the alarm goes off do not just decide to go on to the other house without letting anyone know.

Most of these scenarios happened to all of us.  You think that we would have some common sense, but many do not.  Here is wishing we all need to go Back to Real Estate School.