Have Shovel, Will Show. But I Don't Own a Plow!

By
Real Estate Agent

A few years back, I wanted to show a vacant home a couple of days after a foot of snow had fallen.  Made the appt with the listing agent and off we went.  There were a few other, occupied homes on the list, as well.  I showed the "occupieds" first and saved the vacant for last. 

Upon arrival, the very long driveway was impassable even in my SUV with brand new tires.  It wasn't just that particular snow fall but a previous one which had not been cleared. My Client and I are undeterred and park on the street.  We New Englanders are a hardy sort and don't let a little snow get in our way.  I grab my trusty shovel out of my car and we trudge up the driveway and find that because of snow drifts we can't get to the lockbox.  Both of us give up at this point.  We could waste all sorts of time shovelling the walkway and stairs but, you know what?  No way.  Just not worth it.

I called the LA and told her we couldn't get in the house and didn't believe anyone else would be able to either.  I received a call-back a few days later indicating that the driveway, walkway and stairs were cleared and would my Client like to see it now?  Too late.  She bought something else.

 

Comments (4)

Jen Hudson
Windermere Real Estate/M2, LLC - Stanwood, WA
Stanwood, Camano & Arlington, WA

I've never shoveled a walkway for a showing, but I have shown a house with a flashlight because there wasn't any power.

Dec 14, 2007 02:43 AM
MAUREEN STACCATO
Springfield, MA

I have never shoveled a walk way for a showing either, however I do make the calls to my sellers and remind them that there is a showing and to please make sure the home is assessable.

I do carry a shovel in-my car during the winter for several reasons-

  • If my car gets stuck, I am not going to wait for a knight in shinning armor to pull up- not in this day and age! LOL!
  • To unburied my real estate signs for my listings
Dec 17, 2007 02:50 AM
Cathy Clark
Bourne, MA
It's probably more of a problem in areas like mine with summer homes that are vacant all winter. 
Dec 17, 2007 11:11 PM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

We invite you back to ActiveRain in the year 2017!

Feb 17, 2017 07:49 PM