Setting the Tone for a Home Inspection

By
Real Estate Agent with Falcon Property Solutions

A Realtor friend told me of a home inspection this week where the Buyers showed up with their Realtor and Inspector, and there was a plate of cookies on the kitchen counter.

A stand-up note said, "We're excited to be under contract, and know that the inspection process can take several hours. Please enjoy these freshly baked cookies while you inspect your new home. There is hot coffee in the pot on the counter, and creamer and water and soft drinks in the refrigerator."

Just as a matter of psychology, don't you think that adds a whole different tone to the job at hand? Not that it will change the outcome, but it sure makes for a more pleasant transaction. (And someone suggested doing it on second showings!)

BRILLIANT!

Cookies and coffee

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Selling homes throughout Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, and surrounding areas

 

     

Mimi Foster

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Comments (14)

Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

I had this happen on a second showing and boy, was my client impressed.  It was just a thoughtful touch that while it was not going to make him buy the house (although he did!), it did help us slow down a bit, get a bit of refreshment and take our time showing the house. 

Apr 17, 2016 08:46 AM
Mimi Foster

I LOVE that idea, Susan! I'll have to remember that! ;)

Apr 17, 2016 08:51 AM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Pretty smart Mimi. Anything that can be done to give an inspector a more warm and fuzzy, it makes great sense.

Apr 17, 2016 11:53 AM
Mimi Foster

Totally agree, Joe

Apr 17, 2016 12:05 PM
Suzanne Rumsey
Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate - Newark, DE
Rumsey Home Team (Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate)

Great idea to set the tone.   We may try this with our sellers.

Apr 17, 2016 12:40 PM
Mimi Foster

And someone suggested doing it with second showings. Great idea!

Apr 17, 2016 12:41 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR
Exceptional Agents, Outstanding Results

Good morning Mimi.  I've seen that only once, most people dread the inspection.  It's going to happen embrace it, make them feel comfortable.

Apr 17, 2016 07:08 PM
Mimi Foster

I hadn't heard it before and thought it a grand idea ;)

Apr 17, 2016 11:47 PM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Not that it will change the outcome, but what a splendid idea!

Apr 17, 2016 09:31 PM
Mimi Foster

Totally agree, and love the thought of it for a second showing, too.

Apr 17, 2016 11:47 PM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Mimi, I showed a house to a couple moving to the area, and the homeowner had baked cookies for two showings and also for the home inspection.  And, oh my they were soooo good.

Apr 17, 2016 11:56 PM
Mimi Foster

What a great idea, Rebecca. To say nothing of the fact that it makes the home smell good ;)

Apr 18, 2016 12:03 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate

Mimi,  Yes, it does. Some folks are just that way … gracious hosts to all those who enter their home … for any reason.  

Apr 18, 2016 12:27 AM
Mimi Foster

Hadn't thought about it that way, but so true, Kathleen.

Apr 18, 2016 01:09 AM
Nicole Doty - Gilbert Real Estate Expert
Zion Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Broker/Owner of Zion Realty ZionRealtyAZ.com

I love this! I'm going to start talking to my sellers about doing this for the inspection, second showings, and for the appraisers as well! 

Apr 18, 2016 01:44 AM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

As popular as this fantastic idea is, am betting inspectors will soon be putting on the weight.  lol  Mark

Apr 19, 2016 04:44 AM
Carol Williams

This could be bad if they no longer fit in the crawl space.  LOL

Apr 21, 2016 05:28 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Property Manager

A great psychological move.  Like you say, it may not change the outcome but I bet it could change the tone of negotiations should their be any issues discovered.    Thanks for the post.

Apr 21, 2016 03:51 AM
Mimi Foster

Tone is SO important, is it not, Carol?

Apr 24, 2016 02:40 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Nothing says "welcome to your new home" like freshly baked cookies...very thoughtful seller.

Apr 21, 2016 05:48 PM
Mimi Foster

That's sure what I thought!

Apr 24, 2016 02:40 AM
Roy Kelley
Realty Group Referrals - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for sharing this story. This is a great idea to share with home sellers.

Apr 24, 2016 02:34 AM
Mimi Foster

On so many levels I thought it was a great idea, Roy! Thanks for the reblog! I LOVE how you set the reblogs out a few weeks. Clever.

Apr 24, 2016 02:40 AM
Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

Mimi that is a great idea and would be a great way to set the tone for sure.  Thank you for sharing.  

Apr 25, 2016 01:57 AM
Mimi Foster

I thought so too, Teri. My pleasure.

Apr 25, 2016 02:06 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Hi Mimi - that is a very wise home seller.  Don't you wish you could train them all to be customer friendly.

May 08, 2016 10:00 PM

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