Shoes or No Shoes?? (smell, carpeting, remove, forced)

[redhouse]

LOL my dog tracks in more dirt and mud than any of the people who have viewed our house! Thank the Lord for Pergo.

But seriously, we did look at some houses with the heat off and it was COLD, uncomfortably so, even with shoes. On the flip side, remember that socks are slippery. We were NEVER allowed to run around and especially go up and down stairs in stocking feet when we were kids (really!). And...bare feet cause more damage than shoes. Skin oils.

[PDXmom]

My realtor provided the surgical booties in a nice basket to go by the door. So folks have the option of shoeless or cover up. And so far no one has complained. BTW, when I come house shopping in the Triangle, I will take my shoes off at the door.

[MAtoNC!]

Don't even ask how I found this old thread I went to an open house that had a sign requesting to remove shoes. I was so skeeved out because I was wearing sandals without any socks. I couldn't bring myself to do it. LOL! I waited at the door while my husband looked around. I just couldn't put my bare feet on a stranger's floor. Maybe I'll buy my own booties for future open houses.

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by MAtoNC!

Don't even ask how I found this old thread I went to an open house that had a sign requesting to remove shoes. I was so skeeved out because I was wearing sandals without any socks. I couldn't bring myself to do it. LOL! I waited at the door while my husband looked around. I just couldn't put my bare feet on a stranger's floor. Maybe I'll buy my own booties for future open houses.

Took folks to a rental and walked all through it. We saw the untreated pet stains in the carpet, as well as general grime.
Walked out the front door and looked at my printout, with the note, "Please remove shoes."
We laughed hysterically...


Booties are cool. I should get some in the car.

[autumngal]

We actually keep them on hand for contractors we may hire and of course ourselves if we are working out in the yard and just want to run in the house for a drink or something.

And for MAtoNC, oh I feel for you. Especially like what Mike described, animal stains....yucko! Not taking my shoes off for those type of houses.......*shivers*

[jeannie216]

Originally Posted by PDXmom

My realtor provided the surgical booties in a nice basket to go by the door. So folks have the option of shoeless or cover up. And so far no one has complained. BTW, when I come house shopping in the Triangle, I will take my shoes off at the door.

I agree, it is automatic for me...shoes off that is...by the way it is still our home for the time being, right? Our house we'll begin showings next week, and I guess I feel we went to all the trouble to get the house immaculate, lecture the kids about keeping their rooms clean, remind everyone to clean up after themselves... a little effort on the potential buyer seems fair to me. I think the booties are a good idea, couldn't be any more slippery than socks I would think.....

[emme313]

I have been to houses that asked so, and I didnt mind. I think its imnportant to respect that yes the people are selling their home, but until they do it is stil their home and I would want to respect their wishes. And hey if you end up buying that home, those are your future carptes and hardwoods the owner is protecting!

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by emme313

I have been to houses that asked so, and I didnt mind. I think its imnportant to respect that yes the people are selling their home, but until they do it is stil their home and I would want to respect their wishes. And hey if you end up buying that home, those are your future carptes and hardwoods the owner is protecting!

To clarify...
Yes, I take my shoes off when asked, almost all the time. The rental house was a fortuitous oversight.

I have many times told buyers to put their shoes back on in dirty homes or homes without heat. When it is 45 degrees inside, I can't see any reason for anyone to be barefoot or in socks on ice cold floors. Particularly when we are out with kids. Then I tell the Sellers/Agent in feedback that it isn't acceptable.

[SALUKI_LOVER]

When we sold our home we asked the same.
We had some neat little shoe covers in a box with a little sign on the door; most people are understanding and the potential buyer will appreciate it.
I'm sure your realtor can find those for you.
Best of luck.

[nynraleigh]

It's an automatic thing for me when I enter someone's home, either for sale or not, friends, family, I take my shoes off... In my opinion, it shows respect to the homeowner.