1. Is it okay for me to use the toilet while viewing homes?
Yes, home sellers are prepped and told up-front to be prepared for people to use their bathrooms.
2. Can I eat the cookies or grab me a bottle of water?
Unless the snacks and bottles of water are clearly displayed, it isn't acceptable to grab items out of the refrigerator or kitchen pantry.
3. Can I crawl in the attic with my flashlight to conduct a light inspection of the area?
You shouldn't. It's never a good idea to test water heaters or appliances. You'll have an opportunity to have the home inspected by a licensed professional who is educated on what to look for.
4. Is okay if I open drawers & cabinets?
I have explained to every seller I've ever worked with that potential buyers will be opening drawers and cabinets while viewing their home. It's natural to wonder how deep and large these spaces are.
5. Can I get on the roof to check things out? I think I see a leak at the fireplace.
You should never get on the roof without the sellers permission. Leave the roof walking to the home inspector. If you have a suspicion of damage you can easily convey your concerns to your either your Realtor or your home inspector.
Here are 11 additional reminders when viewing homes:
1. Never touch or test electronics around the house.
2. Don't play pool if there's a pool table or touch the antique slot machines in the game room.
3. Don't lay on peoples beds.
4. Don't let your kids jump on trampolines or play with swing sets, toys or stuffed animals that don't belong to them.
5. Don't sit on the owners motorcycles or hop into any antique cars.
6. Don't touch the owners china, open their books or read their mail.
7. Don't fool with the owners safe or rotate the dial.
8. Never light the fireplace.
9. Do not open windows. If something breaks, you will be responsible.
10. Never attempt to heat up food in the microwave. Last year one of my sellers called to inform me that their house smelled like fried food. Come to find out a buyer used the microwave to heat up a chicken sandwich for one of their children.
11. Do not flip breakers.
The best rule of thumb is to simply not touch the sellers personal belongings.
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