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SHOWING INSTRUCTIONS: DON'T LET THE CAT OUT!

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty of Jupiter

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE??

First, let me be clear, I am a BIG TIME animal lover, especially cats. Having said that, it is impossible to get maximum showings on any property with showing instructions that mention animals. If you show property, YOU HAVE SEEN IT .......

Two friendly pit bulls on site. Are you kidding?? Are they showing the house for the seller? No one in their right mind would take a client to see this house. May be friendly to the owner, but they are protective by nature. May not let you out. Surely these dogs think you are there for them not to show the house. The barking at the door along is enough to make me not open the door. How big are they? What are their names? Did they poop on the floor? Does the house smell? Even friendly poodle puppies will wee wee on your feet when they get excited. I love dogs and I am never afraid of animals, but clients, especially with children present, are much more cautious as well they should be!!

Don't let the cat(s) out. Where are the cats?? Better yet, where is the litter box? I want to avoid that room when showing!! I have been in houses that I haven't even seen the cat. Did someone already let the cat out? I left a note for the seller. I visited at 1:00 p.m. and did not see the cat. Please don't blame me if your cat is missing. Call the agent that was here before me! I babysit a cat now and then for a good friend. He knows me and loves me but sometimes I still can't find him in the house even when I call him.

Don't touch the parrot. WHATTTTTTTT??? The parrot!??!! Is he loose?? Is he flying around the house?? Should I say "Hello, Polly want a cracker?" when I enter. Oh, and you really want to sell your house?? I used to have a parrot in my family. I grew up with a green parrot appropriately named Polly. He was always loose. He was 75 years old. He had a long history in our family, passed down from generation to generation. He had a really great vocabulary. I'm the oldest of nine children and Polly was kind and gentle, but he didn't like strangers. He also strenghth in his beak that could break a broomstick in half. What I'm really saying here is "don't mess with parrots"!!

I recently refused a listing because of a cat. The seller, an older woman, refused to confine the cat for the showings and refused to remove the TWO litter boxes, not to mention the house had a "cat odor" upon entering. It's a definite "no" for me, sorry.

Two weeks ago I stopped at an Open House that has been on the market for some time and was recently reduced. I wanted to preview for a client. I had been in this house before and was aware of the cats, but this was an advertised Open House and I knew the agent. Upon entering, I saw the TWO cats sitting on the beautiful granite island in the kitchen right next to the candy dish and Open House display. I looked at the agent and she rolled her eyes. The seller would not allow the cats to be confined. Now, let me get this straight.......YOU WANT TO SELL YOUR HOUSE??

Comments(7)

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Sajy Mathew
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Lancaster, PA
Making your real estate dreams become a reality!

If the showing was set up with ample notice, then put your cat in the crate if he likes to run out.  As a buyer agent I have more important things to think about than if the cat is going to bolt out the door.  Like you said, "you want to sell your house right?"

Apr 18, 2010 02:16 AM
Cheryl Thomson REALTOR Ret Army
United Real Estate DC Metro Region (703.216.5635) cheryltee47@gmail.com - Prince William, VA
Associate Broker in Northern Virginia

Hi Diane,

...I thought it was ONLY me that felt this way...I mean really, the house needs to be shown in the EYES of the BUYERS!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Apr 18, 2010 02:20 AM
Dick and Dixie Sells
Sells Real Estate, LLC - Trinity, FL
Realtors, Tampa Bay Florida Homes For Sale

So true- you are preaching to the choir. Was going to show one the other day where the dog was supposed to be crated. Obviously the owner forgot and the low pitched growl as we started to enter was more than enough for us. On to the next and the buyers were just in town for the day so no chance for a sale for that owner!

Apr 18, 2010 02:24 AM
Ralph Gorgoglione
Metro Life Homes - Palm Springs, CA
California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407

Same here.  I am an animal lover with pets myself.

But on showings, it's NOT about you and your love for animals.

It's about making an impression on the prospective buyer.

Make an effort to have the animals at bay for a few minutes for the showing.  It's really not that much effort to do so.

It's the difference between selling the home and letting it sit there and petrify on the market.

Apr 18, 2010 02:26 AM
Sonja Patterson
Keller Williams - BV - College Station, TX
Texas Monthly 5-Star Realtor Recipient for the Hou

Diane,

I have never let out a cat...but there is always the fear that maybe, just maybe, there is a cat hoping for an opportunity to break free as I open the front door!! :) 

Apr 18, 2010 02:37 AM
Constantine Isslamow
RE/MAX HALLMARK Eastern Realty - Peterborough, ON
"Training and Accountability"

Thank you for posting and sharing your very informative article.

Wishing you continued success.

Apr 18, 2010 02:37 AM
William German
NetWorks Real Estate LLC - Lacey, WA

Its funny you mentioned it.  I was just lookiing at the MLS this morning and sure enough "don't let the cat out" was in the agent remarks. I thought if they want to sell the home how about putting the cats up for the showings.

Apr 18, 2010 10:24 AM