What is considered "normal" behavior for potential home buyers during a showing?

Question

For example: people have rearranged my belongings in the medicince cabinet, moved my grandmother's antique dresser and damaged the mirror in the process, pulled apart my kitchen table and not put it back together, and left ALL the lights on in the house after a showing. The most disgusting occurence happened yesterday though. Someone used my bathroom (which was spotless when I left) and was kind enough to leave some rather nasty "evidence" behind. I always thought it was appropriate to open closet doors and cabinets to check the space but you should leave the house as you found it. Any words of advice other than installing a hidden camera to see what else really goes on during a showing?

Answer 1

I might insist that your agent be there during the showing, if possible. You could also have your agent call the other agents who showed your house, and talk to them about the condition of things when they left - possibly going so far as to request that they not show the house again (at least not without your agent present). Your agent may have some other ideas as to how to stop such horrible behavior. If all else fails, you may have to insist that people only show the house when you are there. That can deter a lot of people, but it may be worth it to keep your home and belongings intact.

We had agents leave all the lights/appliances running when they left the house. (Very annoying - I was still paying the electric bill!) The worst thing we had happen was that someone closed the door to the room where our cats' litter box was. No one was even supposed to be in the house (we already had a contract on it) - and we were out of town for 4 days! Luckily they relieved themselves on the linoleum for the weekend, but had they used the carpet I'd have had to replace it for the buyer.

There is absolutely no reason for anyone to touch your personal belongings, though, and a good agent will instruct their client not to do so. A hidden camera might not be a bad idea, especially if you are afraid things might start to go missing.

Good luck selling your house. It's a frustrating enough experience, I'd be livid too if people were abusing my home and my things that way.

Answer 2

I would have a serious chat with your realtor or person who is showing these people around!

Then at the least you can possibly get some compensation for future damages!

OR, increase the selling price of your house to hopefully attract some more responsible and respectful buyers...

People that would take a dump in someones house, during a showing, seems a little uncouth to me, but people are strange these days. It is still YOUR home, and people should respect that. And if they aren't then I would definitely speak to whoever is actually showing the house, and letting these freaks get away with doing that stuff.

Answer 3

This is the responsibility of the realtor, whether it be yours or another companies. Appointments for showing a home are usually made so the agent can accompany each prospective buyer through the house. Agents I know will not let the "guests" seperate during the showing. Using a bathroom is taboo.

Answer 4

Wow! talk to your agent about this.. damaging your property is NOT normal.. your agent should know who is viewing your house and when. If damages occur, the listing and showing agents need to know. Photograph your rooms before a showing and document damages. Take them up with the showing agents.

Leaving the lights on.. inconsiderate, to be sure, but not damaging.. using the restroom? sometimes you just gotta go, but certainly the user should have dealt with the .. um.. remains. People are pigs.. how nasty.

Answer 5

Contact your listing Realtor and explain the issues. Tell them to notify any Realtor bringing prospects in that the contents are not to be moved around and that the bathrooms are for viewing only.