One thing about house hunting though is that you never know what you’re going to come across. Even when you see the little thumbnails on the MLS listings. They never do justice to what you actually get when you enter the house (whether good or bad).

Last night we went out with our agent Stephanie Cluett and her protégé Jessica to see eight houses. Some houses that we saw last night were really cute but not us. Some were downright horrible.

With this first experience I have some advice for those trying to sell their home:

Clean up.

When I enter your house I should not WANT to keep my shoes on. I would like to show the respect that your house deserves and not want to dirty up your beautiful home. But if the floor is disgusting I will dirty the place up because you clearly don’t respect your house. So why should I? There is an exception with vacant houses. But I shouldn’t be afraid to catch some kind of communicable disease from waling around in my socks. This brings me to my next point.

Go out.

Last night there was two houses we visited where the owners were home. This just makes an awkward situation for everyone. We’re scrutinizing the building you live in and it feels rude to point out flaws in your home right in front of you. Both of said homes were filthy and our agent actually stepped in something that she “didn’t want to touch” to get off her foot. Worst of all DON’T LEAVE GRANDMA HOME and go out! Especially if she doesn’t speak English. (Check back tomorrow for more details on this).

Don’t sit in your car.

Similar to above. We know it’s you.

Make sure your agent is truthful.

Some of the listings we see stretch the truth a little and some downright lie. A garage fits a car and has a door that works. A dilapidated shed that’s falling down is not a garage!

Turn on the lights and the climate control.

If it’s hot outside make it cold inside. If it’s cold outside make it hot inside. Turning on all the lights will make your house appear nicer to the potential buyers more light is better.

That’s all I have for now. I might think of more later and add them in. Or this poor blog may just go stagnant again.