When you’re a buyer in Nevada County looking for your ideal home, there is a certain decorum that is expected. No, we aren’t talking about how you talk to your agent or your mortgage company (although you should always be polite to them). We’re talking about how you treat the homes that you view. While the ultimate goal is to find a place that you can visual yourself in, that doesn’t mean that you treat the house like it’s yours when you first see it. It’s important that you treat the home you’re viewing with the utmost care and respect. Think about how you would feel if a guest came over and was a general pest. You wouldn’t be to pleased, right? Well neither would a seller. Based off the stories of agents thoughout the county, we’ve got some to dos and not to dos when you are touring in the Nevada County area.
Treat the Home Like a Museum
It may be tempting to sit on the Victorian era dining room table in a home, that does not mean that you should. Think of homes that you are viewing as museums. You can look at the furniture and features, but you can not touch them. The chances of you owning any of that stuff is slim, so don’t treat it like it’s yours. You don’t want to upset the seller with misplaced or poorly treated furniture. You can also think of it as a do unto others scenario. You wouldn’t be happy if someone came into your home and moved stuff around or sat on the delicate pieces. Be kind to the home, you can do what you like with it if it ends up being the home that you purchase.
Not Following Showing Instructions
If a seller has rules about how they want you to view their home, you need to follow them. This may apply more to your agent, but you still need to be courteous to the homeowner. If there are booties left next to the door, be sure to put them on. If the carpets look new or the hardwood polished, tread carefully. If requested, make sure your shoes are clean or are taken off at the front door. Watch for any pets that might want to run out the door. Turn off the lights as you leave. It’s important that you follow the instructions that the seller has left. You don’t want to be responsible for a lost pet, high electric bills, or ruined carpets. Not only will the owner be upset, but when it comes to the offer, you might be counter-offered at a higher price because of the inflicted damage.
Bringing the Kids to a Showing
We understand, it’s difficult to leave your child with a sitter while you view homes. You want to make sure that your child loves the home almost as much as you do. If you choose to take your child with you on a showing, make sure they are well-behaved. They should not be running amok through the house. All too often there are stories about misbehaving children that disrupt the viewing process. If you bring a child, you also need to bring distractions for them. Coloring books, iPads, or some other quiet activity is ideal. That way you aren’t chasing your child all over the house instead of speaking with your agent about the house.
Lock the Door
It doesn’t matter where you are in the county or what your beliefs are about locked doors, you need to make sure the door gets locked before you leave. It may be the agent’s responsibility, but you should act as a double check. Although in Nevada County animals are more likely to break-in than people, you still don’t want to take a chance of anything happening. You also don’t want your agent to be known throughout the county as the agent who doesn’t lock doors. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
You’re Not Alone
You may think it’s a great idea to talk business with your agent while you are still at a showing, but that is not always the best idea. The seller or the seller’s agent might be in the house or watching what happens on camera. It’s important that you only discuss matters related to the home. For example, you can say something about how nice it would be to have an island, but you don’t need to mention how no one’s going to go for a tacky green and maroon. Be mindful of what you say in any home. You may not be as alone as you think.
The home buying process is exciting, especially when you find a home that you love. We don’t think the process should be intimidating, but you shouldn’t treat the homes you view like you already own them. Be mindful that even after you find your dream home, it’s not yours until the papers are signed and the current owners have moved out.
Have questions on the home buying process? Give a Coldwell Banker agent a call!
