The Real Estate Agent’s Guide to Photographing Properties
Photograph by Nicolás García Photography is one of the most important aspects of a real estate listing. A property with stunning photos will generate more
The Barefoot Realtor
The Barefoot Realtor
I am known to some as “The Barefoot Realtor”.
You see, early in my career I was working with a relocation couple. Had prepped myself with the carload of goodies… you know, bottled water, snacks, etc. as we had a long day planned. (I think I had about 10 houses scheduled as they could only look one day).
We ventured out early and landed at our first showing. The client wanted garden space, so off to the backyard we went. Being the great agent, I walked every corner with them. LOL. My luck, I stepped in… well, you know. Got to the front door, and lo and behold the smell overwhelmed even this southern girl’s nose! Now, I’m used to those farm smells, but this was distinctly “ode de doggie”.
So I opened the door, invited them to view while I found the garden hose and scrubbed my shoes. I left them out to dry on the porch. Meanwhile, showing went on. Got back into car with wet shoes. However, by the time I got to the second home, I soon realized there was NO way we could put up with my new found “perfume”. So, I stopped the car, opened the truck to put those shoes in.
I usually carry new construction shoes… OMG, where were they? Well, I had taken them out to make room for their luggage and all of those snacks. What’s a girl to do? I remained calm, showed the remainder of homes in… yep, my bare feet. I now always get a pedicure before showing houses, by the way.
We laughed, they were cool, everything went on schedule until the last house. Of course, I always ring the bell (just in case), and you guessed it — seller was there. I introduced myself as Jan, as she stared at my now dirty feet. I didn’t miss a beat. Jan, you know, the “Barefoot Realtor”. She said, “You people will do anything to sell a house.”
Funny fact, they ended up buying the first house. We later found out the seller had six dogs. No wonder there was “dog dirt” everywhere.
Grace M. Koreyasu (R) CRS, SRES
Location: Kailua, HI
Company: Prudential Locations LLC
Website: N/A
Mistaken for a Burglar
Was scheduled to show a beachfront house in Waimanalo, Oahu, Hawaii. The lockbox was not available — heard that the owner’s ex-boyfriend was constantly sabotaging showings, so I didn’t think anything of it. The house was vacant and pretty much stripped of anything of value (ie: toilets, cabinetry etc.)… so, we’re talking shell of a house.
Since the doors were locked and I couldn’t find the lockbox, we decided to go in through an open window. My client went in and I followed, then a man showed up and started screaming that I’m a burglar (mind you, the house is completely void of anything other than walls). I crawled out and tried to explain that I have confirmation from the lister to show, etc… but, this man wouldn’t let up. He then called the police.
Police arrived, and as I explained the situation, the listing agent arrived. Man was still crazy… didn’t have authority to call police as he wasn’t an owner, etc… but, this guy insisted that I get handcuffed and taken in. By this point my client was hysterical and crying. Man was still yelling with cops trying to calm him down. What a mess! True story.
Squatter’s Rights? Not This Time!
When I was selling REO’s I had to go to a less than desirable part of town for one. I parked in front of the property and the front door was open. I saw a neighbor next door and went to talk to him to see if he knew anything about the people who lived there. He said they had moved out about a week ago so I asked him if he would mind coming into the house with me since the door was open. He said sure.
We walked in the front door and noticed the property was vandalized. Not unusual. We headed upstairs and saw one of the bedroom doors was closed. He opened it and there was a homeless person sleeping inside. The neighbor looked around the room for a few seconds then closed the door. He turned and said, “My motorhome was broken into the other day and all my stuff is in that room.” We went back outside and called the police. I’ll never forget to keep pepper spray after that.
Detria “DD” Burger
Location: Fayetteville, NC (Ft. Bragg)
Company: Prudential All American Homes
False Alarm
Went to a vacant listing to check on it (two story) and heard a noise upstairs. It scared the bejesus out of me. So I went to my car, called hubby, he came over to be my back-up. We went upstairs and window was cracked opened and wind was blowing the blind. 🙂
