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I've Nearly Fallen and I Hope I Can Get Up

By
Real Estate Agent with NextRE

As agents we do a lot of driving and a fair amount of walking. With the recent storms in the Maryland area driving and walking have become a bit hazardous. We can control the rate of speed that we drive in the snow but listing agents and owners need to take control of the snow and ice on their properties. Mother nature can't melt it all!

I LOVE real estate but do not relish the possibility of falling while trying to get into a home. Therefore, please remember to inform your clients that they should have the walkways of their homes shoveled and cleared of snow and ice. Out of the 5 vacant homes that I showed this weekend NONE were cleared of snow and ice. I slipped many times and so did my clients. One client almost slipped down a set of stairs packed with snow.

I have had to sound the alarm to my piano student families as well because I also provide in-home piano lessons. I have had to cancel at least 1 lesson because the driveway was too slick for me to climb and was covered in ice. 

Not only is it a safety issue but once all that snow and ice is walked on it can get tracked into the home being shown causing the owner to have to clean carpets again and again. It can also be a legal issue if someone is help on your property.

At my age, I don't want to fall and not be able to get up. But I do want to be able to list, sell or rent your property.

Ellie McIntire
Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate - Ellicott City, MD
Luxury service in Central Maryland

Two years ago I had a client who insisted on seeing a home that had a sheet of ice on the walkway. I was the one that slipped and twisted my knee and to this day it still causes me pain. It is a dangerous job this time of year.

Jan 30, 2011 01:33 AM
Chandler Real Estate Liz Harris, MBA
Liz Harris Realty - Chandler, AZ
#ChandlerRealEstateAgent

I feel for you... As much as I am sure you want to show the home, I am sure you need to measure the danger factor.  Since I left the cold and snow 11 years ago, I forgot that problems like this even exist!  Now, I have more perspective!

Jan 30, 2011 01:36 AM
Mary M. Kandell
Russell Real Estate Services - Sandusky, OH

I hear you.  It can be a treacherous time of year, indeed.  REO's are usually the worst around here with little to no snow maintenance.  Just hang on tight.  I hear there's another "blast" coming through on Tuesday.  Be safe

Jan 30, 2011 01:36 AM
Joi Lawrence-Jones
NextRE - Philadelphia, PA
The Joiful Realtor

Elle, Sorry to hear that you took a tumble. I hope you are completely healed and pain free soon. I use arnica gel whenever I bump up against things. It really helps. I am single mother of 4 ranging from college to pre-k. I can't be out on my back for any length of time or everything that I am juggling comes crashing down. I plan on being really careful and might even invest in a long stick umbrella that may help. A tip from my mom.

Liz, I always dream of relocating to a sunny spot each winter. As I get older that dream may just become a reality. Please send sunny and warm wishes my way.

Mary, I plan on hanging in there and see that another storm is on the way. Be careful and walk with care!

Jan 30, 2011 01:56 AM
Veronika J. Doherty
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty - Warwick, NY

You need to get Yak-Trax. Several of the agents in my office have invested in them and not too expensive...I think somewhere around $30. Check google or whatever search engine you use. One of the agents is a big guy (tall) and he swears by them.

Jan 30, 2011 02:11 AM
Joi Lawrence-Jones
NextRE - Philadelphia, PA
The Joiful Realtor

Veronika,

I will definitely be investing in these! Thanks so much!!

Jan 30, 2011 02:44 AM
Jim Keilson
Maryland Home Inspection Services, Inc. - Gaithersburg, MD
Specializing in Mold and Radon Gas Testing.

Jio, great post.  As a Maryland Home Inspector I can relate to what you are saying.  The past 2 weeks I have been to a few Inspections where the driveways, walkways, decks ecthave been snow or ice covered.  It make our job harder as well as can be very unsafe.  Looks like this week they are calling for even more icy/snowy weather.  Be safe out there.

Jan 30, 2011 04:01 AM