Showing Agent Courtesy

Really, how inconsiderate can a showing agent be?  Yesterday, my client and I went out of our way to let a showing agent into one of my listings because the showing agent couldn't get her I-box key to work. When my client got home, there was melted snow and dirty slush all over her hardwood floors, and tracked through the carpet as well.

My seller was out of her house, driving her dog around for an hour and a half (half hour past the appointment time), had placed the foot covers by the door with the sign that said, "Please remove shoes or wear shoe covers," and came home and had to clean up the wet soppy mess.  The showing agent didn't leave a business card, just the calling card, "Hey, we were here, so glad we could disrespect your home for a while!"

Here are 4 courtesies I try to remember when looking at other peoples homes:

1. Treat that home better than you do your own.  Unless the home is dirtier than the bottom of your shoes (and there are those), take your shoes off or wear shoe covers; if the home is dirtier than the bottom of your shoes, wear shoe covers to protect your shoes! Leave it like you found it unless the showing instructions request otherwise.
2. Write the showing instructions on the listing sheet so you can follow them.  If the listing sheet asks that all lights be turned off, be vigilent and make sure ALL lights are turned off - even in closets and basements.  Sometimes the homeowner is expecting multiple showings and has turned the lights on for all the showings. Sometimes the homeowner is across the street watching, will be home as soon as you leave and doesn't want anyone touching their light switches (yes, those sellers are out there).
3. Double check to make sure doors are locked and if they won't lock, call the agent before leaving the property.
4. Call the listing agent immediately if something is not right -- for example, if you notice that the water heater is dripping, if someone had tracked mud on the carpet before you got there, etc.

I know that no one is perfect, least of all me. If I do my best, that is all anyone can ask. If I or my clients make a mess, I need to clean it up before I leave. It is all just common courtesy.