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How do those of you with children handle showings around or after your children's bedtime? We got a call today about a showing at 6:30, which is about the time my one year old son goes to bed. My husband said that they could come as long as they left by 7:00. I took my son for a walk and finally saw the family show up at 6:50. They stayed until 7:30. I sat on the back porch with my son, who was having a total meltdown. They saw us on the back porch with him crying but they stayed another 20 minutes. I was fuming and finally barged in and put him down for bed. It probably wasn't my best move, but the poor boy was miserable.
You did the right thing. I've shown many a home where we're met at the door by a mom who tells us the baby is asleep / sick and not to go in the babies room with the note on the door.
If we really like the house, we'll make arangements to be back for another look and can see the room at that time.
Late in the evening most people understand about dinner and bed times. Just do the best you can.
If they want to see the house past your child's bedtime let them know you will be in the house as your child goes to bed, and that they won't be able to go in that one room. Often times parents will just open the door quietly as we peek in.
Most likely your home is going to be on the market for a while. That will be stressful enough. This other stuff can be easily worked around. Selling your home doesn't mean you become a doormat. There is usually a very workable solution for most issues.
I asked this very thing when I put my house on the market. Our very first showing was late at night, well after the kiddos bedtime. We accomodated the showing since it was our first. We decided that anything after 8pm was a no-go. A 6:30 bedtime is a bit harder since most people get off of work around 6pm. Going forward, if there is a showing when or after your son goes to bed, just advise the buyer's agent that your child will already be in bed, but you are happy to make yourself scarce for the showing.
That's what I did when people dropped by during the kiddos naptime. Literally dropped by. They peaked their head in the room and moved around quietly. I took the video monitor and stepped outside so they could speak freely.
Don't feel bad about this showing. You did what you had to do. Like Silverfall said, you don't have to become a doormat, but while your home is on the market, you may have to accomodate some of those "after work" showings. Stinks, I know, but it's one of the prices we pay to sell the house. Good luck!
Thanks everyone. We actually got a full price offer last night, four days after we put the home on the market. The couple (who saw the house twice on Sunday) is doing a relo (as are we), and want to close in two weeks. The inconvience of moving in two weeks is definitely better than having to continue showing the house. My hope is that the sale goes through and that I won't have to worry about bed time anymore!
Thanks everyone. We actually got a full price offer last night, four days after we put the home on the market. The couple (who saw the house twice on Sunday) is doing a relo (as are we), and want to close in two weeks. The inconvience of moving in two weeks is definitely better than having to continue showing the house. My hope is that the sale goes through and that I won't have to worry about bed time anymore!
Thanks everyone. We actually got a full price offer last night, four days after we put the home on the market. The couple (who saw the house twice on Sunday) is doing a relo (as are we), and want to close in two weeks. The inconvience of moving in two weeks is definitely better than having to continue showing the house. My hope is that the sale goes through and that I won't have to worry about bed time anymore!
Congrats! We had the same issue with our kids; they go to bed quite early. The realtor put on our listing no showings after 7 pm. Of course this didn't stop realtors from trying, but I let them know the kids go to bed promptly at 7:30. I had one realtor BEG to let her clients in at 7:15. I told her no problem, just please be prompt. I took the kids out came home at 7:45, no realtor. I called her and she said her clients were hung up in traffic, they would be by in a bit.
I told her to reschedule. I HATE turning people away, but when it comes to the expense of my kids I won't budge.
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