I have had horrible experiences with children at showings. Running all over the place, touching the seller's things especially toys of the seller's children; being more of the referee instead of the REALTOR at those times. I believe having children there can be a hindrance to the buyer and, yes, it makes it more difficult for me when showing the home. OK, it makes me want to pull my hair out. But let me tell you what gives me great pleasure.
Recently, I was knocking on doors of FSBO's and came upon a home where I was invited in the tour the home. I was greeted by the young boy of the home about 10 or 11 years of age and he wanted to opportunity to give me the grand tour. The mother said sure and while I would have rather had the opportunity to speak with the woman of the home, I let the young gentleman take me around the home.
It's funny what kids think are the important features of the home. He was really adorable and made sure I knew all the great hiding places there were in the home along with any flaws there may have been. That's the innocence of children. We got to the end of the tour and we came upon the last room. He called it the "Grandma Room". I laughed and asked him why he called it that. He said all the furniture in there was really old and looked like a grandma. It was very nice antique furniture and I could see why he called it that. He then turned and said "we even have an antique phone!". I looked around looking for the antique phone when the Mom pointed to the desk push button phone sitting on a dresser. I immediately laughed. Well, I know what that makes me. Now, I'm not THAT old but I remember party lines on phones if that tells you anything.
Children are the source of my entertainment when showing property. Their innocence and excitement can make even a bad day fun. They love the the keysafe attachment for your iphones and how it magically pops open with the key to the door. I'm not sure how many children I have converted to be real estate agents, but I'm sure alot of them will think about it.
So, while having children run around the house like banshees make me look like Blair on The Exorcist, I love watching them explore and experiencing the things they think are the most important things of the house. It's never boring.
Comments(3)