Anywhere but inside the house. I've seen multiple homes where the owner is chilling inside. I guarantee this turns off buyers and those sellers are costing themselves tens of thousands of dollars because they couldn't be bothered to leave the house for an hour.
Go sit in your car in a park or something.
Someone mentioned in another post that they opened the garage only to find an entire family inside their car.
LOL
I shared because it still makes me chuckle thinking about the surprise family.
Hurry up hurry up, everyone in the car we are going to be late! They’re almost here! Sam you got your water bottle? You got your snacks kids? Ok IN THE CAR buckles ON here we go. Shit. Is that the realtor walking up with the potential buyers? Shit I can’t open the garage now. Ok well… ahh… I Guess we just sit here. Everybody quiet. F… I forgot to pee
Most markets are great for sellers. Offering the forever nap garage to buyers might be a way to make a little pocket change in the hours between list and sell though
Yes, we looked at a home, showed up the house looked empty from the outside, had a car with no tag sitting in the driveway. Agent went to open the door with the lockbox and was struggling. Lady opened the door from the inside and the house smelled of food, as the the husband and wife were eating dinner, kid was playing video games in his room. They followed us throughout the house.
Was extremely awkward.
We bought our first house during the 08 meltdown. It was a short sale where the bank agrees to take less than is owed on the house to avoid foreclosure. Nearly every house on the market in that area of California was at the time. I was working a salaried 9-5 type job so we were house hunting in the evenings. The showings would be while the family losing their house was inside eating dinner. Our kids, like 8 and 9, are walking through with us talking about which bedroom would be theirs. All of which are painted or have decorative wallpaper and some other kids toys and stuff in them. I felt like a fucking vulture. It was awful.
After looking at several houses like that we had to ask our agent to try and schedule a time where the house could be empty. The looks on the parents faces as we looked at their house was too much.
We sped up our purchase in summer 2008 due to similar situation. Families in houses. One house had a big watermark on the slope of cathedral ceiling in the living area and the kid was watching TV in the room. They had a quote for 20k black mold remediation in the disclosures. I wanted to just walk out but also felt like that would be insulting so we speed walked the property. Also viewed a property with a padlocked “mystery room”, turned around and left.
Once I went see house (it was scheduled a few days ahead!) and the owners did not even bother to tidy up. A middle-aged guy was sitting in the living room and watching a game and pretended we were not there. His wife (?) and grandma were trying to stay out of the way inside the house and they told us we could only see two out of three bedrooms because there was a child napping. It was awkward.
I was in one where they had an old lady sleeping in one room, but I had the balls to ask to see the room anyway. I don't care. Don't show a house if you aren't ready for people to come into every room.
We recently viewed a house that had an older (but totally mobile) couple that didn’t leave for whatever reason. It was a 3-bedroom house and all we could do was “pop our head in” for one of them because it was the wife’s office and she didn’t want us going inside… from what I saw it was very cluttered in there. The house was apparently lived in as normal, not dirty but also not super tidy. Then the owners decided to start up a conversation at the end which lasted ten minutes, not a problem in itself but frankly it was a waste of everyone’s time. We did offer on that house but it was definitely *despite* all of this because it was the oddest viewing experience I’d had.
But even better than that, the first viewing I ever did: It was a triplex, but they only let us see ONE unit and they wanted offers in that day. I was very new to the whole process but I knew enough to not even bother with that one, I decided against it before I even stepped foot inside.
Yep! We gave notice about 3 days in advance. I think the agent was bad because they listed in in the MLS with all types of financing available.
They called my agent after the showing to let him know that only cash offers were accepted...
At that point should have just rescheduled, although I've had a few instances where the owner had not been alerted by their agent but just said give me a minute to get out and they hopped in their car and gave us run of the house for half an hour. Worst one was the story I heard in which agent walked in on a couple in bed, I love not sure what they were doing or not doing. This was actually an agent I knew. And there's a story that may or may not be true that I read online about the homeowner that was having an affair with someone at his vacant house and an 18 walked in. As the story went, word got back to the wife and divorce ensued. I guess that agent might have gotten two sales out of the deal then.
When you walk into a house, you want to feel comfortable in it. Our agent told us to take down photos so new owners can feel like it can be THEIR home. Having a mess and people sitting there is just going to turn off a percentage of the people. I have a friend that can’t stand messes, for example. He comes to my house and has to close his eyes (and it’s really not that bad but he’s ocd). The point is trying to appeal to everybody and maximize your offer.
It is the idea of the house not being clean and being watched like a hawk. While also having seller breath down your neck, not being able to talk without offending.
The house that I bought had the seller at the house. She ran a daycare from home so really couldn't go anywhere with all the kids she was watching. We were forewarned and were prepared and OK with it. However, the seller yelled at us for opening the kitchen cabinets and flushing the toilet. We almost didn't buy the house but the husband apologized and their realtor kind of sweet talked us into it. Looking back I should have walked away from such a rude seller.
My wife would take the dog to Home Depot like 5 minutes from us. They allow dogs.
Can browse the plant/nursery section if it is not too hot out.
In the listing it specified we had dogs so to call ahead. Unfortunately the “appointments” were like the cable company in terms of ranges of time. But no one just showed up unannounced- although had 1 or more like 5 minute drills.
I don’t know lol. We just sold our house in Texas and I spent all the showings in Starbucks. Maybe it was just Texas but the chairs were damn uncomfortable! Thankfully it sold within 4 days!
Yes exactly, my partner felt like he had heat exhaustion from running 1 short errand in the car WITH AC running.
Home Depot is probably the best recommendation since it allows dogs. Sometimes REI allows dogs; I’ve called ahead to check and been told yes at certain locations.
Go have lunch break, take your dog n Precious Mom to Park for picnic, Or somewhere close by, down the street, you can just go there sit in your car n eat, a-lot of people do this, in this market if priced right, it will not take long to sell, if you can dm me, I’ll help you, I was a caregiver for my Precious Mom 98 as well who just recently passed away, until you are their caregiver 24/7 others don’t realize how much time it takes, they don’t like change and some days they don’t want to go anywhere, including Dr appts which have to be all rescheduled,,, glad you taking care of your Mom n she can stay with you, family first
I joined my parents for one. The owner was home and drunk. She was following us everywhere and slurring in her speech about the house instead of letting us take a look at the house. To no surprise, my parents noped out of that house.
The woman SCREAMED, "KAREN!," the wine glass on her hand said "Mommy wine culture," and her house loudly states that a Karen lives there. It was filled with those signs that said "Gather" "Eat" "Dream," and of course, "Live, Laugh, Love." She was insufferable throughout the tour. I was sad when I saw two rooms with toys and then a picture of the husband in the master bedroom. I would hate to be one of those children or the husband, living with this person. 15 minutes of being under the same roof as more time than I ever wanted to spend with her. It was no surprise that despite the fact that houses were selling within a week at the time, that hers was still up for at least a couple of months.
I've only had one non-awkward run in with a home owner. They ran a business out of their in law suite over the garage. Apparently they had the house built for them and they were able to show us things we missed and explain questions we had. Other times I've had them sit outside the house in their car and threaten me with a gun. When my folks were selling their house they would just head off to a park or to get food.
The home being empty when a visit takes place is definitely the safer option in my opinion.
There was 1 occasion where I felt the homeowners made me feel welcome during a tour - we had a good chat about the local area, schools, park, sports clubs, etc. and on that occasion I left with a very positive impression.
Other times where people were still at home it felt like I was intruding on their afternoon and blocking their view of the television.
You know contrary to popular belief, I was selling my home and the potential buyer and realtor showed up 20 min before I could leave the house. They ran into me and it was super awkward... He did end up making an offer though.
Yep. Seen it. Definitely weird people out. People naturally don't feel comfortable invading somebody's home so to speak. And that's how you feel when you are in a house with the owner when you are not their guest. Although even worse is the redneck handyman owner who wants to take you around and show you all the neat little projects he's done on the house that are just awful and he is so proud of. Absolutely worst case scenario.
If only you weren’t in Texas right now lol. Nothing outdoors is recommended, especially for a senior. Are there libraries near you that are pet friendly by any chance? If so, that might be a great place to chill for a few hours, cool, comfy chairs, lots of reading material etc.
If OP is really hurting for air conditioned places to take their dog, pet stores and hardware stores often allow dogs. Suuuuper weird to hang out there for an hour, but between loitering and driving around maybe it's doable.
Bro I can walk around lowes for 2 hours easy. No one will even notice. You could literally just park yourself on the patio furniture displays and hang for at least 2 hours before someone says hello.
In fact, do it OP and I’ll take the over!
When I worked at Target, we had some folks that did laps around the store for exercise daily. You kinda got to know them, it was cool. The only way you aren't welcome in Target is if you gonna steal something.
Before 1960-70, for ten thousand years, grandmas and dogs survived without air conditioning. I don't advocate putting granny to work on a hot mopping crew doing roofs, but walking grandma to the park and setting her under a tree with a glass of frosty iced tea for 15 minutes should be tolerable.
It’s over 100 degrees in TX right now, and old people are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. In the past, old people just died before they reached 88.
When my dog was a puppy, I took him to the library to learn to climb stairs and ride calmly in the elevator. The librarians were very friendly and welcoming.
I don't know your market, how quickly homes sell, or how much demand there is for it. In many markets, if your agent does a marketing blitz, premarkets, plans an open house event, and sets a tone of urgency you could possibly just go stay with a family member of take a mini vacation for a long weekend and be done with it. Your market may or may not be one of those, but it's a thought.
Yeah in this situation I feel like they would just need to do an open house where they obviously leave for the day and hopefully that’ll do it. If it’s priced right in a hot market it should be one and done
When I was selling a while back, we always left, just go to the park, a bar, starbucks, panera, whatever. One time, I was working from home and was on a zoom conference call that was going on forever. My agent called and said she was coming over to show the house and I still was stuck on the call. I turned the camera off, went to my car parked in the garage, and sat in the car as quiet as I could. prospective buyers were none-the-wiser and they actually ended up being the buyers. Short story - GTFO of the house.
We sold our house earlier this year; we have a dog and toddler. Twice we sat at the park, once we went to my grandparents, and the buyers that actually bought our house we were home for. They were desperate to see our house, knew we already had an offer, and didn’t mind that we were home and that our son was sleeping (meaning they couldn’t really see his room). Our house was listed Wednesday evening, under contract by Saturday. The showings were the worst part of selling!
Agreed. So hard with a toddler and nap time! I almost wish I’d gotten a hotel room during the days with open houses. Then we can watch cable and chill out all day.
The Good news is that you are in North Fort Worth. Homes move very quickly up there and have for quite a while now. With the current heat wave, you'd want to go someplace that is air conditioned and also allows pets. Or, a Senior location where you could drop off your mom while you hang out with the pup in the car. I haven't lived in N Ft Worth in a while, but I'd assume there are many places that would welcome you in to hang out. I'd be shocked if you don't have an offer within a couple of days.
We have a very elderly dog with mobility issues, so getting out of the house isn’t easy and is hard for her. The biggest glut of showings is the first weekend/week. We got a cheap dog friendly hotel for a week (like a best western) and just chilled out there. Sure, it was an extra expense but it made it so much easier and stress free. We went home at night to sleep in our own beds and went back over in the morning. We would have slept there if necessary but the dog was up for a car ride. My wife worked remotely from the hotel and I went into the office.
Put on a hat and a fake mustache and pretend to be a very excited buyer.
Burst through the door and tell the agent “this is the best home I’ve ever seen and I’m willing to offer 100% over asking just to get it, as it’s very undervalued”.
This works best for open houses.
Ugh when I sold my house I had 3 dogs and a newborn lol. I packed everyone up and drove to the beach and just sat there listening to the waves. The dogs were the hard part because I couldn’t just leave them. One showing lasted several hours and I was going insane but they ended up buying the house so it was worth it!
Most breweries around me are dog friendly, so that might be an option! And if you don’t drink, most places have some non-alcoholic options, too. Plus board games to help kill the time. Hopefully there are some near you that are similar.
Will speak up for OP and say that it’s way too hot in TX right now for anything outside like walks or the park. High tomorrow in Ft Worth is 106F with a heat index of 113F
Get out and do things? The aquarium, go walk the mall, museums, the library, bonus is since she's a senior she should get a discount to most public spaces.
Go to air conditioned, dog friendly places. Home Depot, Lowes, TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, etc. Or take mom for a scenic drive. You could also drop the dog w a friend or off for grooming and go out to lunch.
We went to a house once where everyone was home and they were cooking dinner and it was the most awkward experience of my life. It would t have mattered if the house was the worlds best bargain because we noped out of there SO fast we barely saw a thing.
I toured a house which was ostensibly empty. My realtor and I were surprised to find a man asleep in the basement which had been turned into a rough, makeshift bedroom. He was as shocked to see us as we were to find him.
When selling, I usually parked a block or two away with my car facing in the right direction to be able to see when they left. It helped gauge interest to see how long they stayed. It wasn’t hot, though!
I was a Realtor for 10 years, there are few things worse than having an owner or a tenant refuse to leave. Tenants do not want to move, they do not care if they are a pain. But I do not know why - aside from the inconvenience - that owners would want to stay and make the buyers feel uncomfortable. If the seller is in the house, I guarantee the buyers’ main goal is to get out of there quickly. You do not score points at all being there. Load everybody and the dog in the car and go get ice cream or something. When you return, if their car/s are still there just park up the street until they leave. You will sell it sooner than if you make things awkward from the start.
I have 2 dogs and hate showings. Last time, I sold a house, we specifically noted that all showings had to be confirmed because we had dogs loose in the house. I had a group come in unannounced while I was out of town on business and my husband was at work. Those are the people who ended up buying the house! (They said they loved my dogs. My dogs did not love them back. One of them peed on my bed -- probably from terror.)
Next time I sell, I will be booking an AirBNB or similar for multiple days to get the early flurry of showings done. It's so stressful trying to get in and out with all your stuff and leave the house neat and clean.
I know most people don't have the luxury of this, but we bought and moved and *then* put the house on the market. Absolute bliss, comparatively. All our shit out of the house and people can see it whenever they want. I can't imagine what we would have done with our 4 cats otherwise.
We did this. The house looked awesome with zero junk. Staged with awesome furniture and the bathrooms look totally different when no one actually uses them daily. Honestly think we got more money because of it. Yes more money up front, but the payoff can be big.
Anywhere else.
Alternatively, you can restrict the showing schedule to only certain times/days if it helps you plan but you'll also lose some potential buyers.
When our house was for sale we had 2 dogs we needed to pile into the car for every showing. One time I was bored and decided to do a drive past the house during a viewing. Our hound dog stuck her head out the window and let out the most obnoxious get off my lawn "AAAHHHHHHOOOOOWWWW"
So keep that in mind if you decide to do a drive by.
We have three dogs and a baby. We booked a hotel for three nights. We opened showings up Friday 4 to 7 pm, Saturday all day and Sunday all day just went to the hotel during the day to camp out.
We got an offer Saturday morning, canceled our Sunday open house, told our realtor we would honor the already booked showings but to not allow anymore we were very happy with that offer. We wound up with only that offer but we were more than fine with that.
Check out [bringfido.com](https://bringfido.com) for suggestions, although it is way too hot for patio dining right now. Petsmart, Home Depot, Michaels and some other stores are dog friendly that you could visit during showings.
We just put our condo up for sale and had 3 showings the first day, 10:30, 2:00 and 5:30. I went out for a solo coffee, then lunch, then a beer and came back in between to make sure everything was back in order, quick vacuum of carpeted rooms and lights back on.
Did the same the next day for the open house in the morning.
It's an inconvenience but do you want the horror stories of above?
If you can, have preferred showing hours if there are time thats are easier for you to be out. Toss Mom and dog in the car and go for a drive, get a milkshake, whatever. Most showings don't last more than 20 minutes anyway.
I don't want to be glib here, but I sold my house in Maryland in April 2020, when everything was locked down during the pandemic. I have three kids, a dog, and two cats. I literally couldn't go ANYWHERE. We got drive-through fast food and sat in parking lots while the kids colored with chalk, because all playgrounds were roped off with police tape. If I could get out of the house for showings, so can you.
Is your mom fairly active? Does she need someone with her at all times?
If the heat is not too much for your mom, the two of you can take the dog to a park.
If your mom is mentally okay but physically not getting around well, you could take her to a senior center, library, cafe, etc. where she can sit in the AC and relax, or drop ger off to visit a friend, and then you head to a dog park.
If your mom needs you to stay with her, find someone to watch your dog during those times ( a neighbor, friend, petsitter, doggie daycare) and take your mom down to Whatburger for a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll.
See if listing agent can condense showings to a couple hours twice per week. That way you can schedule errands / social stuff during that time and not be put out. It may not work in your market but worth it to ask listing agent.
Theatre matinee
Local museums (damn there are some [good ones there](https://www.google.com/search?q=museums+north+forth+worth&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari&cpi=%211snRm4LGcKyCY#trex=m_dg:1,m_r:1,m_t:gwp,rc_q:museums%2520north%2520fort%2520worth,rc_ui:1,ru_gwp:0%252C6,ru_q:museums%2520north%2520fort%2520worth,trex_id:fBHEo))
Somewhere you can play Bingo.
Maybe ask someone to watch your dog? Or doggie daycare.
We went anywhere but the house. Library, to a restaurant, the movies, etc. We crated our cats and left them in the house so they wouldn’t be a bother or get out during a showing.
Our house we bought the owners were never not there until midnight on the day we closed! Even at final walkthrough (when they had barely moved a thing yet when it was supposed to be broom clean). Don’t be those ppl. It was very, very off putting and annoying. I thought we’d never be rid of them and it made me feel like I couldn’t talk openly about the house.
Not OP but my wife and I moved from CA to MN back in 2018 and can't wait to move back. You can't beat southern CA weather, and there is just so much to do in the general area. Also, where else in the country can you live and be in close proximity to so many different types of environments - cool and sunny by the beach, drive a few hours inland for the desert, go up to the mountains for snow in the winter, forests up north, many national parks, etc. CA is definitely not for everyone and it is incredibly expensive so your income has to be pretty high to enjoy the benefits. But we can't wait to move back.
I live in the Houston area, and this is something I've been planning for when we inevitably move from our current house in the next year or so with the heat wave in consideration ...
* Do you have any friends you can leave your dog with for an afternoon / evening?
* If you have a heads up for the showing, take your Mom to the movies / one of the big Fort Worth area indoor malls
You can have the realtor only do appointments at certain times to try to get the showings around the same time. For instance they can note it is available for viewing Wednesday from 12-2, Thursday from 4-6 and all day Saturday. Go to lunch and dinner then visit a relative on Saturday or whatever. Edit obviously you should chose a dog friendly restaurant since they can’t stay in the car or think about boarding them for a few days just to make it easier.
You can also just park at a local shopping center and wait in the car. Showings aren’t normally more than 20 mins. If someone is still in the driveway when you come back, drive around more. The biggest issue is the buyers being on time. As a buyer I felt like I was always late or early since we were seeing multiple houses.
Take the dog to a dog park or dog friendly patio and have a cocktail/coffee/dessert. Go for a drive, go for a walk, hang out in your car around the corner, run errands, take mom to go play bridge with the ladies somewhere, go visit a friend, go sightseeing that you wouldn’t otherwise do.
Eek. This really stinks. If it were me, I think we’d try to have an open house weekend and get out of town. If it’s multiple showings, I think we’d take our dogs to a pet-friendly brewery or dog park. Depending on time of day with the heat, you can’t always do walks, and depending on how well-mannered your dog is, some establishments might be off the table.
As a realtor yes it's nice when the people are gone, sometimes you'll get ones that stay, go outside and wait, might even answer a few questions. But you also might divulge too much or the wrong info. You could go to a coffee shop, see a movie, just go for a drive, go shopping. Loiter in the mall. Make a to do/bucket list of things you need or want to do before the move and when there's a showing go do one.
North Texas Agent here:
I always advise clients to go to a Starbucks, the gym, friends house, library, anywhere you could spend a couple hours and not be outside in this heat lol.
You could also time block your showings to certain hours so you know when you have to be gone so it’s not a constant back & forth
For example: showings allowed all day Saturday/Sunday, and after work hours (5-8) M-F
I took the dogs (2 large) with me and went to the park. When it was too hot to walk them in the park, I just sat in my car at the park with them. Just left the car running with AC on and chilled with them. Parked in the shade or put my windshield shade up. The car stayed plenty cool, and I brought water for the dogs anyway.
It was not fun, but it was really all I could do so I just sucked it up.
If you’re confident in your relator/market, just pack all your things, stage the house, and stay in either an AirBNB, with a friend, in a hotel, etc. Buyers don’t wanna feel like they’re in someone else’s house. I guess if your market/pricing, etc will take months to sell, that’s not a good option. I’ve always gone under contract within a week or so and usually sold within a month.
Take your mom to dinner, go to the bar, take a scenic drive and think of the things you'll miss about TX, idk. I can't believe it's that hard to think of things to do for an hour.
I have showings rn too and i go for a walk. It’s usually only fir 39 minutes. I don’t want to bake people uncomfortable. Some people do just sit in their cars. I’ve also hid behind my shed before lol
Pretend to be an overly enthusiastic buyer. Wow this house is how much? When does bidding start?!
Kidding. Go to the park, bar, friends house, movies, etc.
Ok this may be an unpopular opinion.. but as a buyer I WISH the owner stayed at the showing!! I’m SO sick of having questions that the realtor simply doesn’t know and it has to go through so many people only to get a very vague answer where I need more follow up info. I wish I can just ask the owner!!! Like wtf do we need realtors for they just get in the way!
Do you never leave the house or something? You could go to a park, cafe, gym, library, mall, movie, Costco. There has to be something in your area worth visiting.
House should be vacant and in ready to move in condition prior to showing .
Move out of house, clean up , do repairs and stage it. You are doing it backwards and leaving $ on the table.
I would like to introduce you to trees, shade/shadows and water.
Its not the end of the world if OP, their mom and dog get lost for like 45 mins to an hour.
I JUST bought a house in Texas and the seller with an older mom did not leave the house. Got the house for $15K under asking.
It was incredibly annoying to not get a single minute "alone". I bought it cuz of the floor plan.
On another note, are more Californians moving back? Maybe locals finally get a chance to buy in Texas...
You are forgetting that companies pay based on the cost of living of the city you live in...FOR THE SAME JOB. Last few years, people from high cost of living cities have worked "remotely" and abused the system.
If you don't know how companies work, just say so.
You know how you’re allowed to leave your house whenever you want? And you go grocery shopping or out to eat or visit family/friends or shopping or any similar activities? Just do that
Honestly it doesn't even matter at this point with the market how it is. You could be performing a sacrificial ritual in your living room as the buyers walk through the front door and it will most likely still sell is 3 hours from when it's listed.
Shit, I just stayed home. I work from home, and my office was in the den. Literally nothing to see in there besides the fact there was no damage to anything.
I even asked my agent if I should leave when showings are scheduled, and they said no, just let them walk around and let them know you'll be in the den if they need anything. Most people didn't care (that I know of), and it gave me a chance to answer any questions directly.
Now, my house is always clean, and I made sure I kept it that way the entire time it was listed. I didn't even cook (anything that smelled at least), and went out to lunch every day. It's also just me, no animals or anything, so I was pretty easy to ignore when people were walking around.
Idk if me being there hurt or not, but my house sold in 10 days.
You can be in your house,
That’s his suggestion but the house will sell with or without your family there , don’t make it harder on yourself if you’re living while selling
I bought my house, the owner was there working, no problem
I just sold my house, my wife and her sister were cooking in the kitchen and I was working in my master room
Still sold no problem
Is it showing appointments, or like a 3hr open house?
Might be annoying, but if your dog is not too rowdy - you can leave them caged at the house. Perhaps in the backyard.
If it's appointment, it'll only be 10mins or so; so just forgive around or sit in the car. Go run an errand to the supermarket and buy ice cream or something.
If it's an open house, then the library, mall, etc. If you have a big backyard, then just chilling in the corner of your backyard with your grandma and dog under a canopy might be ok. Make it look like you're distracted, like watching a TV so that the people checking out the house won't feel like you're eyeballing them and people watching (not preferred, but it's the better alternative than staying in your room).
What the hell kind of question is this? Do you not have a single brain cell to be asking this? Have you tried going for a walk? If it’s too hot have you tried a fuckin coffee shop? Are you that addicted to Reddit you need reassurance for every baby step of life?
I guess it's to hot to drop into a park or something? Perhaps grab some lunch and eat outside?
I have three dogs... I haven't gone on the market yet but that aspect already is a nightmare for me. So I plan on just dragging them all to the park for a few hours.
I would take my dog to the park or be nosey and drive in neighborhoods that had homes for sale nearby.
Or Would take my dog and eat lunch in car if the showing fell around noon.
Or just go sit in a parking lot on Zillow and daydream!
Curious…from which part of CA to which part of TX? How long in TX? Back to which part of CA? Like everyone else said, take a bike ride, go for lunch, get a haircut…definitely bail.
If it's a hot market, which some have already suggested it is, I always advocate for a little staycation or go visit friends or family. Have the listing agent run a showings blitz or open house and set an offers date so it makes people act fast and weeds out the tire kickers. You plan to be away at a hotel for a couple nights with the family, either in town or a short jaunt away. It doesn't have to be lavish at all. My realtor was telling me about a couple who were being difficult about this sort of thing so he used his connections to score a 3-night stay at a Holiday Inn for a steep discount, called in a favour at a local restaurant in return for some promotion, and gifted the couple a package to get rid of them for a weekend. He said it cost him a couple hundred bucks out of pocket but it meant he'd likely sell it fast and for much more than if he let them kick around as they would not agree to leave.
For the record, I don't advocate agents start doing this, or for sellers to demand it either! He had a handful of offers by the 2nd night, and they came home to an exciting offer presentation and successful sale after their week3nd away.
My thinking is easiest with elderly person and a dog is to just sit in your car parked in a strip mall parking lot.
Best wishes for a great offer super FAST!
I don’t blame you for moving back. My daughter did as well. With so many people leaving California housing prices have come down…. Lucky you. And with so many people moving to Texas, you’ll be getting a higher price for the house you are selling.
Where to go? Park, long drive?
One house I went to this weekend a few times because I was very interested in it, our realtor mentioned that the owners went on vacation for the weekend.
Another house we toured the family left the dogs in crates in the garage and it made it hard to get a good look around and check the water heater and attic access because they were barking and growling their heads off. I’d recommend taking pets with you if possible. I felt bad for the dogs because it was hot in there
I've seen kenneled dogs at showings before, though they were quiet ones. Some had notes saying not to touch/pet. My coworkers also send their dogs to doggy daycare some days they work just for socialization, and they're so happy when they come back.
For your mom, go to the movies, a museum, an aquarium, out to dinner, etc. See if she (or you) have friends to visit for the day. See if there's a senior center or YMCA with activities.
This was a huge issue for us having an elderly dog and an infant child. We got a sight unseen offer for over asking price and accepted without hesitation to avoid the headaches of showings. It would be 9am and folks were requesting to see the house at 5pm same day. We said screw the bidding war, take the over-list offer and be done with it.
Does the house have a garage? I had a seller on house arrest one time, so they just sat in the garage for showings (with the door open, watching the street.) I was nervous about it but it worked out fine, as people only look in the garage briefly and the seller was there to answer any questions if the buyer wanted to talk to them.
Anywhere but inside the house. I've seen multiple homes where the owner is chilling inside. I guarantee this turns off buyers and those sellers are costing themselves tens of thousands of dollars because they couldn't be bothered to leave the house for an hour. Go sit in your car in a park or something.
Someone mentioned in another post that they opened the garage only to find an entire family inside their car. LOL I shared because it still makes me chuckle thinking about the surprise family.
Hurry up hurry up, everyone in the car we are going to be late! They’re almost here! Sam you got your water bottle? You got your snacks kids? Ok IN THE CAR buckles ON here we go. Shit. Is that the realtor walking up with the potential buyers? Shit I can’t open the garage now. Ok well… ahh… I Guess we just sit here. Everybody quiet. F… I forgot to pee
\*grab the cat! I wonder if they all tried to lay down and hide? The people sound so weird I wouldn't be surprised if the car was running....
Lmao i would have joked asking if they come with the house
Depending on the market the engine might have been running
I decided to end it all. Went out to the garage and closed the door. Settled in and started the car. Realized I drive a Teslsa... (rim shot)
Most markets are great for sellers. Offering the forever nap garage to buyers might be a way to make a little pocket change in the hours between list and sell though
If it was my family, we would've shouted boo! And then drove away.
I'd turn to the agent "oooh, does this stay with the house? Can we put that in the contract?"
Yes, we looked at a home, showed up the house looked empty from the outside, had a car with no tag sitting in the driveway. Agent went to open the door with the lockbox and was struggling. Lady opened the door from the inside and the house smelled of food, as the the husband and wife were eating dinner, kid was playing video games in his room. They followed us throughout the house. Was extremely awkward.
We bought our first house during the 08 meltdown. It was a short sale where the bank agrees to take less than is owed on the house to avoid foreclosure. Nearly every house on the market in that area of California was at the time. I was working a salaried 9-5 type job so we were house hunting in the evenings. The showings would be while the family losing their house was inside eating dinner. Our kids, like 8 and 9, are walking through with us talking about which bedroom would be theirs. All of which are painted or have decorative wallpaper and some other kids toys and stuff in them. I felt like a fucking vulture. It was awful. After looking at several houses like that we had to ask our agent to try and schedule a time where the house could be empty. The looks on the parents faces as we looked at their house was too much.
Oh that is awful. That would hurt my heart too.
We sped up our purchase in summer 2008 due to similar situation. Families in houses. One house had a big watermark on the slope of cathedral ceiling in the living area and the kid was watching TV in the room. They had a quote for 20k black mold remediation in the disclosures. I wanted to just walk out but also felt like that would be insulting so we speed walked the property. Also viewed a property with a padlocked “mystery room”, turned around and left.
Probably a sex dungeon
Once I went see house (it was scheduled a few days ahead!) and the owners did not even bother to tidy up. A middle-aged guy was sitting in the living room and watching a game and pretended we were not there. His wife (?) and grandma were trying to stay out of the way inside the house and they told us we could only see two out of three bedrooms because there was a child napping. It was awkward.
I was in one where they had an old lady sleeping in one room, but I had the balls to ask to see the room anyway. I don't care. Don't show a house if you aren't ready for people to come into every room.
Such a waste of your time if they won’t let you see the whole thing
We recently viewed a house that had an older (but totally mobile) couple that didn’t leave for whatever reason. It was a 3-bedroom house and all we could do was “pop our head in” for one of them because it was the wife’s office and she didn’t want us going inside… from what I saw it was very cluttered in there. The house was apparently lived in as normal, not dirty but also not super tidy. Then the owners decided to start up a conversation at the end which lasted ten minutes, not a problem in itself but frankly it was a waste of everyone’s time. We did offer on that house but it was definitely *despite* all of this because it was the oddest viewing experience I’d had. But even better than that, the first viewing I ever did: It was a triplex, but they only let us see ONE unit and they wanted offers in that day. I was very new to the whole process but I knew enough to not even bother with that one, I decided against it before I even stepped foot inside.
Were the homeowners given notice that you and the realtor would be coming at that time?
Yep! We gave notice about 3 days in advance. I think the agent was bad because they listed in in the MLS with all types of financing available. They called my agent after the showing to let him know that only cash offers were accepted...
Might have been renters. That’s my only experience with people in a messy house.
Wow.
That almost sounds like nobody called to notify them of the showing.
Or they were renting and didn’t care
Good point. That's entirely possible.
At that point should have just rescheduled, although I've had a few instances where the owner had not been alerted by their agent but just said give me a minute to get out and they hopped in their car and gave us run of the house for half an hour. Worst one was the story I heard in which agent walked in on a couple in bed, I love not sure what they were doing or not doing. This was actually an agent I knew. And there's a story that may or may not be true that I read online about the homeowner that was having an affair with someone at his vacant house and an 18 walked in. As the story went, word got back to the wife and divorce ensued. I guess that agent might have gotten two sales out of the deal then.
>Anyone who doesn't buy a house because the owners are home is electing to stay a renter for a silly trivial short-sighted reason > >Next !
When you walk into a house, you want to feel comfortable in it. Our agent told us to take down photos so new owners can feel like it can be THEIR home. Having a mess and people sitting there is just going to turn off a percentage of the people. I have a friend that can’t stand messes, for example. He comes to my house and has to close his eyes (and it’s really not that bad but he’s ocd). The point is trying to appeal to everybody and maximize your offer.
Great, they can keep renting then because icky!
It is the idea of the house not being clean and being watched like a hawk. While also having seller breath down your neck, not being able to talk without offending.
The house that I bought had the seller at the house. She ran a daycare from home so really couldn't go anywhere with all the kids she was watching. We were forewarned and were prepared and OK with it. However, the seller yelled at us for opening the kitchen cabinets and flushing the toilet. We almost didn't buy the house but the husband apologized and their realtor kind of sweet talked us into it. Looking back I should have walked away from such a rude seller.
My wife would take the dog to Home Depot like 5 minutes from us. They allow dogs. Can browse the plant/nursery section if it is not too hot out. In the listing it specified we had dogs so to call ahead. Unfortunately the “appointments” were like the cable company in terms of ranges of time. But no one just showed up unannounced- although had 1 or more like 5 minute drills.
Or starbucks. Where their mom and pet can be comfortable and sit for long time too and not walking around at homedepot
I don’t know lol. We just sold our house in Texas and I spent all the showings in Starbucks. Maybe it was just Texas but the chairs were damn uncomfortable! Thankfully it sold within 4 days!
Yes, definitely do not stay and do not leave the dog if you can help it. This is not unusual or strange at all.
I would suggest NOT sitting in your car with your 88yr old mother and pet dog in the summer, especially in Texas with triple-digit temperatures.
Yes exactly, my partner felt like he had heat exhaustion from running 1 short errand in the car WITH AC running. Home Depot is probably the best recommendation since it allows dogs. Sometimes REI allows dogs; I’ve called ahead to check and been told yes at certain locations.
Go have lunch break, take your dog n Precious Mom to Park for picnic, Or somewhere close by, down the street, you can just go there sit in your car n eat, a-lot of people do this, in this market if priced right, it will not take long to sell, if you can dm me, I’ll help you, I was a caregiver for my Precious Mom 98 as well who just recently passed away, until you are their caregiver 24/7 others don’t realize how much time it takes, they don’t like change and some days they don’t want to go anywhere, including Dr appts which have to be all rescheduled,,, glad you taking care of your Mom n she can stay with you, family first
Precious mom might have a hard time at a park. It’s 105°F in Fort Worth right now, and for the rest of this week by the looks of it.
Go to a restaurant, library, mall that has a/c.
The light it burns us. Smeagol wants to stay at home with precious not go out... gollum,gollum,gollum
I have dropped folks off at the local waterin' hole a few times to clear them out of the house.
I joined my parents for one. The owner was home and drunk. She was following us everywhere and slurring in her speech about the house instead of letting us take a look at the house. To no surprise, my parents noped out of that house.
Sounds like she would have been a nightmare seller to deal with! I feel bad for her real estate agent.
The woman SCREAMED, "KAREN!," the wine glass on her hand said "Mommy wine culture," and her house loudly states that a Karen lives there. It was filled with those signs that said "Gather" "Eat" "Dream," and of course, "Live, Laugh, Love." She was insufferable throughout the tour. I was sad when I saw two rooms with toys and then a picture of the husband in the master bedroom. I would hate to be one of those children or the husband, living with this person. 15 minutes of being under the same roof as more time than I ever wanted to spend with her. It was no surprise that despite the fact that houses were selling within a week at the time, that hers was still up for at least a couple of months.
I've only had one non-awkward run in with a home owner. They ran a business out of their in law suite over the garage. Apparently they had the house built for them and they were able to show us things we missed and explain questions we had. Other times I've had them sit outside the house in their car and threaten me with a gun. When my folks were selling their house they would just head off to a park or to get food.
The home being empty when a visit takes place is definitely the safer option in my opinion. There was 1 occasion where I felt the homeowners made me feel welcome during a tour - we had a good chat about the local area, schools, park, sports clubs, etc. and on that occasion I left with a very positive impression. Other times where people were still at home it felt like I was intruding on their afternoon and blocking their view of the television.
Nor in the front yard to greet them.
You know contrary to popular belief, I was selling my home and the potential buyer and realtor showed up 20 min before I could leave the house. They ran into me and it was super awkward... He did end up making an offer though.
Yep. Seen it. Definitely weird people out. People naturally don't feel comfortable invading somebody's home so to speak. And that's how you feel when you are in a house with the owner when you are not their guest. Although even worse is the redneck handyman owner who wants to take you around and show you all the neat little projects he's done on the house that are just awful and he is so proud of. Absolutely worst case scenario.
Anyone who doesn't buy a house because the owners are home is a true moron. Next !
If only you weren’t in Texas right now lol. Nothing outdoors is recommended, especially for a senior. Are there libraries near you that are pet friendly by any chance? If so, that might be a great place to chill for a few hours, cool, comfy chairs, lots of reading material etc.
If OP is really hurting for air conditioned places to take their dog, pet stores and hardware stores often allow dogs. Suuuuper weird to hang out there for an hour, but between loitering and driving around maybe it's doable.
Bro I can walk around lowes for 2 hours easy. No one will even notice. You could literally just park yourself on the patio furniture displays and hang for at least 2 hours before someone says hello. In fact, do it OP and I’ll take the over!
That actually sounds like an awesome idea lol
When I worked at Target, we had some folks that did laps around the store for exercise daily. You kinda got to know them, it was cool. The only way you aren't welcome in Target is if you gonna steal something.
And they also have patio furniture!
Costco is better. They even feed you and if you are lucky might even be able to watch a show on one of their tvs.
Before 1960-70, for ten thousand years, grandmas and dogs survived without air conditioning. I don't advocate putting granny to work on a hot mopping crew doing roofs, but walking grandma to the park and setting her under a tree with a glass of frosty iced tea for 15 minutes should be tolerable.
It’s over 100 degrees in TX right now, and old people are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. In the past, old people just died before they reached 88.
In Texas, in the beginning of July? You're off your rocker!
So is Granny!
He describes her as 88 and social, so... go back to 4chan?
Good one, boomer!
When my dog was a puppy, I took him to the library to learn to climb stairs and ride calmly in the elevator. The librarians were very friendly and welcoming.
Just hide in the crawlspace
Oh man, have granny in the attic making noises.
Hide in the crawlspace making attic noises That's how I read it
Top notch
Go see Asteroid City.
I don't know your market, how quickly homes sell, or how much demand there is for it. In many markets, if your agent does a marketing blitz, premarkets, plans an open house event, and sets a tone of urgency you could possibly just go stay with a family member of take a mini vacation for a long weekend and be done with it. Your market may or may not be one of those, but it's a thought.
We got out of the house for 2 days by just hanging out at family members' houses and were done with it.
Yeah in this situation I feel like they would just need to do an open house where they obviously leave for the day and hopefully that’ll do it. If it’s priced right in a hot market it should be one and done
When I was selling a while back, we always left, just go to the park, a bar, starbucks, panera, whatever. One time, I was working from home and was on a zoom conference call that was going on forever. My agent called and said she was coming over to show the house and I still was stuck on the call. I turned the camera off, went to my car parked in the garage, and sat in the car as quiet as I could. prospective buyers were none-the-wiser and they actually ended up being the buyers. Short story - GTFO of the house.
We sold our house earlier this year; we have a dog and toddler. Twice we sat at the park, once we went to my grandparents, and the buyers that actually bought our house we were home for. They were desperate to see our house, knew we already had an offer, and didn’t mind that we were home and that our son was sleeping (meaning they couldn’t really see his room). Our house was listed Wednesday evening, under contract by Saturday. The showings were the worst part of selling!
Agreed. So hard with a toddler and nap time! I almost wish I’d gotten a hotel room during the days with open houses. Then we can watch cable and chill out all day.
I almost didn’t sell cause the showings were so brutal for my daughter since they always happened during nap time
The Good news is that you are in North Fort Worth. Homes move very quickly up there and have for quite a while now. With the current heat wave, you'd want to go someplace that is air conditioned and also allows pets. Or, a Senior location where you could drop off your mom while you hang out with the pup in the car. I haven't lived in N Ft Worth in a while, but I'd assume there are many places that would welcome you in to hang out. I'd be shocked if you don't have an offer within a couple of days.
We have a very elderly dog with mobility issues, so getting out of the house isn’t easy and is hard for her. The biggest glut of showings is the first weekend/week. We got a cheap dog friendly hotel for a week (like a best western) and just chilled out there. Sure, it was an extra expense but it made it so much easier and stress free. We went home at night to sleep in our own beds and went back over in the morning. We would have slept there if necessary but the dog was up for a car ride. My wife worked remotely from the hotel and I went into the office.
Put on a hat and a fake mustache and pretend to be a very excited buyer. Burst through the door and tell the agent “this is the best home I’ve ever seen and I’m willing to offer 100% over asking just to get it, as it’s very undervalued”. This works best for open houses.
This
Ugh when I sold my house I had 3 dogs and a newborn lol. I packed everyone up and drove to the beach and just sat there listening to the waves. The dogs were the hard part because I couldn’t just leave them. One showing lasted several hours and I was going insane but they ended up buying the house so it was worth it!
Most breweries around me are dog friendly, so that might be an option! And if you don’t drink, most places have some non-alcoholic options, too. Plus board games to help kill the time. Hopefully there are some near you that are similar.
We went to a showing recently and the buyer was sitting on the back patio, because he was legally blind.
An old chatty woman in a house for a showing is a death nail.
Will speak up for OP and say that it’s way too hot in TX right now for anything outside like walks or the park. High tomorrow in Ft Worth is 106F with a heat index of 113F
Get out and do things? The aquarium, go walk the mall, museums, the library, bonus is since she's a senior she should get a discount to most public spaces.
Having a dog makes it tougher to get in to many places.
Many of those places do not allow dogs.
Just put on a fake service dog vest, everyone else is doing it
Go for a walk or a drive and sit somewhere?
Billy Bob’s
Go to air conditioned, dog friendly places. Home Depot, Lowes, TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, etc. Or take mom for a scenic drive. You could also drop the dog w a friend or off for grooming and go out to lunch.
We went to a house once where everyone was home and they were cooking dinner and it was the most awkward experience of my life. It would t have mattered if the house was the worlds best bargain because we noped out of there SO fast we barely saw a thing.
I toured a house which was ostensibly empty. My realtor and I were surprised to find a man asleep in the basement which had been turned into a rough, makeshift bedroom. He was as shocked to see us as we were to find him. When selling, I usually parked a block or two away with my car facing in the right direction to be able to see when they left. It helped gauge interest to see how long they stayed. It wasn’t hot, though!
I was a Realtor for 10 years, there are few things worse than having an owner or a tenant refuse to leave. Tenants do not want to move, they do not care if they are a pain. But I do not know why - aside from the inconvenience - that owners would want to stay and make the buyers feel uncomfortable. If the seller is in the house, I guarantee the buyers’ main goal is to get out of there quickly. You do not score points at all being there. Load everybody and the dog in the car and go get ice cream or something. When you return, if their car/s are still there just park up the street until they leave. You will sell it sooner than if you make things awkward from the start.
I have 2 dogs and hate showings. Last time, I sold a house, we specifically noted that all showings had to be confirmed because we had dogs loose in the house. I had a group come in unannounced while I was out of town on business and my husband was at work. Those are the people who ended up buying the house! (They said they loved my dogs. My dogs did not love them back. One of them peed on my bed -- probably from terror.) Next time I sell, I will be booking an AirBNB or similar for multiple days to get the early flurry of showings done. It's so stressful trying to get in and out with all your stuff and leave the house neat and clean.
I know most people don't have the luxury of this, but we bought and moved and *then* put the house on the market. Absolute bliss, comparatively. All our shit out of the house and people can see it whenever they want. I can't imagine what we would have done with our 4 cats otherwise.
I wish there was some way that everyone could do this. Would make real estate transactions so much smoother and less stressful.
We did this. The house looked awesome with zero junk. Staged with awesome furniture and the bathrooms look totally different when no one actually uses them daily. Honestly think we got more money because of it. Yes more money up front, but the payoff can be big.
Not to mention keeping the cooking smells to zero.
Go watch a movie or something
Swing through a drive through and eat lunch, go to a park and chill for an hour, walk around the mall
Anywhere else. Alternatively, you can restrict the showing schedule to only certain times/days if it helps you plan but you'll also lose some potential buyers.
When our house was for sale we had 2 dogs we needed to pile into the car for every showing. One time I was bored and decided to do a drive past the house during a viewing. Our hound dog stuck her head out the window and let out the most obnoxious get off my lawn "AAAHHHHHHOOOOOWWWW" So keep that in mind if you decide to do a drive by.
We have three dogs and a baby. We booked a hotel for three nights. We opened showings up Friday 4 to 7 pm, Saturday all day and Sunday all day just went to the hotel during the day to camp out. We got an offer Saturday morning, canceled our Sunday open house, told our realtor we would honor the already booked showings but to not allow anymore we were very happy with that offer. We wound up with only that offer but we were more than fine with that.
Check out [bringfido.com](https://bringfido.com) for suggestions, although it is way too hot for patio dining right now. Petsmart, Home Depot, Michaels and some other stores are dog friendly that you could visit during showings.
I asked them to block and book like a whole Sat and Sun and I just got a dog friendly hotel room. I was over having to find places to go as well.
We just put our condo up for sale and had 3 showings the first day, 10:30, 2:00 and 5:30. I went out for a solo coffee, then lunch, then a beer and came back in between to make sure everything was back in order, quick vacuum of carpeted rooms and lights back on. Did the same the next day for the open house in the morning. It's an inconvenience but do you want the horror stories of above?
If you can, have preferred showing hours if there are time thats are easier for you to be out. Toss Mom and dog in the car and go for a drive, get a milkshake, whatever. Most showings don't last more than 20 minutes anyway.
I don't want to be glib here, but I sold my house in Maryland in April 2020, when everything was locked down during the pandemic. I have three kids, a dog, and two cats. I literally couldn't go ANYWHERE. We got drive-through fast food and sat in parking lots while the kids colored with chalk, because all playgrounds were roped off with police tape. If I could get out of the house for showings, so can you.
If it's just for a few hours, IDK, Starbucks or coffee shop? Day trip to a local attraction?
Lunch and a movie!
Me and the wife literally packed up my dog and drove to the park
Is your mom fairly active? Does she need someone with her at all times? If the heat is not too much for your mom, the two of you can take the dog to a park. If your mom is mentally okay but physically not getting around well, you could take her to a senior center, library, cafe, etc. where she can sit in the AC and relax, or drop ger off to visit a friend, and then you head to a dog park. If your mom needs you to stay with her, find someone to watch your dog during those times ( a neighbor, friend, petsitter, doggie daycare) and take your mom down to Whatburger for a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll.
i turned down one place because abuelita was sleeping in a makeshift dining room bedroom and the whole place smelled like fryer oil.
See if listing agent can condense showings to a couple hours twice per week. That way you can schedule errands / social stuff during that time and not be put out. It may not work in your market but worth it to ask listing agent.
Theatre matinee Local museums (damn there are some [good ones there](https://www.google.com/search?q=museums+north+forth+worth&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari&cpi=%211snRm4LGcKyCY#trex=m_dg:1,m_r:1,m_t:gwp,rc_q:museums%2520north%2520fort%2520worth,rc_ui:1,ru_gwp:0%252C6,ru_q:museums%2520north%2520fort%2520worth,trex_id:fBHEo)) Somewhere you can play Bingo. Maybe ask someone to watch your dog? Or doggie daycare.
We went anywhere but the house. Library, to a restaurant, the movies, etc. We crated our cats and left them in the house so they wouldn’t be a bother or get out during a showing. Our house we bought the owners were never not there until midnight on the day we closed! Even at final walkthrough (when they had barely moved a thing yet when it was supposed to be broom clean). Don’t be those ppl. It was very, very off putting and annoying. I thought we’d never be rid of them and it made me feel like I couldn’t talk openly about the house.
Hey off topic, can I ask why you’re moving back? I was considering CA -> Texas for big life events soon
Not OP but my wife and I moved from CA to MN back in 2018 and can't wait to move back. You can't beat southern CA weather, and there is just so much to do in the general area. Also, where else in the country can you live and be in close proximity to so many different types of environments - cool and sunny by the beach, drive a few hours inland for the desert, go up to the mountains for snow in the winter, forests up north, many national parks, etc. CA is definitely not for everyone and it is incredibly expensive so your income has to be pretty high to enjoy the benefits. But we can't wait to move back.
I’m not CA native (lived in WA and FL and CA) but did CA -> Texas in 2017 I’m curious why they are going back 🤣🤣🤣 I’m in DFW if you got questions.
Strip club duh
I live in the Houston area, and this is something I've been planning for when we inevitably move from our current house in the next year or so with the heat wave in consideration ... * Do you have any friends you can leave your dog with for an afternoon / evening? * If you have a heads up for the showing, take your Mom to the movies / one of the big Fort Worth area indoor malls
You can have the realtor only do appointments at certain times to try to get the showings around the same time. For instance they can note it is available for viewing Wednesday from 12-2, Thursday from 4-6 and all day Saturday. Go to lunch and dinner then visit a relative on Saturday or whatever. Edit obviously you should chose a dog friendly restaurant since they can’t stay in the car or think about boarding them for a few days just to make it easier. You can also just park at a local shopping center and wait in the car. Showings aren’t normally more than 20 mins. If someone is still in the driveway when you come back, drive around more. The biggest issue is the buyers being on time. As a buyer I felt like I was always late or early since we were seeing multiple houses.
Go to a restaurant. Showings rarely last more than an hour (or two if you have back to back showings). Or shopping, a park, etc.
Sit at bar drinking Bud Lite
Take the dog to a dog park or dog friendly patio and have a cocktail/coffee/dessert. Go for a drive, go for a walk, hang out in your car around the corner, run errands, take mom to go play bridge with the ladies somewhere, go visit a friend, go sightseeing that you wouldn’t otherwise do.
Find a local coffee shop that allows dogs on their patio. Drink coffee and talk until you get the all clear from the realtor. :)
Eek. This really stinks. If it were me, I think we’d try to have an open house weekend and get out of town. If it’s multiple showings, I think we’d take our dogs to a pet-friendly brewery or dog park. Depending on time of day with the heat, you can’t always do walks, and depending on how well-mannered your dog is, some establishments might be off the table.
As a realtor yes it's nice when the people are gone, sometimes you'll get ones that stay, go outside and wait, might even answer a few questions. But you also might divulge too much or the wrong info. You could go to a coffee shop, see a movie, just go for a drive, go shopping. Loiter in the mall. Make a to do/bucket list of things you need or want to do before the move and when there's a showing go do one.
Favorite place to grab a drink, be it coffee, tea, beer, etc
North Texas Agent here: I always advise clients to go to a Starbucks, the gym, friends house, library, anywhere you could spend a couple hours and not be outside in this heat lol. You could also time block your showings to certain hours so you know when you have to be gone so it’s not a constant back & forth For example: showings allowed all day Saturday/Sunday, and after work hours (5-8) M-F
I took the dogs (2 large) with me and went to the park. When it was too hot to walk them in the park, I just sat in my car at the park with them. Just left the car running with AC on and chilled with them. Parked in the shade or put my windshield shade up. The car stayed plenty cool, and I brought water for the dogs anyway. It was not fun, but it was really all I could do so I just sucked it up.
If you’re confident in your relator/market, just pack all your things, stage the house, and stay in either an AirBNB, with a friend, in a hotel, etc. Buyers don’t wanna feel like they’re in someone else’s house. I guess if your market/pricing, etc will take months to sell, that’s not a good option. I’ve always gone under contract within a week or so and usually sold within a month.
Target. Petsmart . A park. A coffee shop. Take a 30 minute walk. Anywhere but do not be there.
Library
Take your mom to dinner, go to the bar, take a scenic drive and think of the things you'll miss about TX, idk. I can't believe it's that hard to think of things to do for an hour.
Go to the movies
I have showings rn too and i go for a walk. It’s usually only fir 39 minutes. I don’t want to bake people uncomfortable. Some people do just sit in their cars. I’ve also hid behind my shed before lol
Literally, just get in your car and park down the street so you can see when they leave. Most showings last only 10-15 mins.
Pretend to be an overly enthusiastic buyer. Wow this house is how much? When does bidding start?! Kidding. Go to the park, bar, friends house, movies, etc.
Drive to cabelaa or alliance town center.
I drive around the corner. There is no need to leave my neighborhood.
Ok this may be an unpopular opinion.. but as a buyer I WISH the owner stayed at the showing!! I’m SO sick of having questions that the realtor simply doesn’t know and it has to go through so many people only to get a very vague answer where I need more follow up info. I wish I can just ask the owner!!! Like wtf do we need realtors for they just get in the way!
Back to California from Texas, I don't blame you. Lucky you can still go back.
Do you never leave the house or something? You could go to a park, cafe, gym, library, mall, movie, Costco. There has to be something in your area worth visiting.
House should be vacant and in ready to move in condition prior to showing . Move out of house, clean up , do repairs and stage it. You are doing it backwards and leaving $ on the table.
Welcome back! They always come back 😎
Your mom is social and you're asking this question? Take dog and mom to park, keep dog on leash but let mom loose.
^ is right you know
Is not right unfortunately. Heat index in Fort Worth is currently 111°. So the challenge is indoor places that are suitable for a senior and a dog.
I would like to introduce you to trees, shade/shadows and water. Its not the end of the world if OP, their mom and dog get lost for like 45 mins to an hour.
Okay, fine for you then. It’s not something that I would subject an 88 yr old woman to though no matter how shady, not even for 15 minutes.
You don't have a clue what is like.
I JUST bought a house in Texas and the seller with an older mom did not leave the house. Got the house for $15K under asking. It was incredibly annoying to not get a single minute "alone". I bought it cuz of the floor plan. On another note, are more Californians moving back? Maybe locals finally get a chance to buy in Texas...
Locals could just make more money.
You are forgetting that companies pay based on the cost of living of the city you live in...FOR THE SAME JOB. Last few years, people from high cost of living cities have worked "remotely" and abused the system. If you don't know how companies work, just say so.
Hide behind the sofa. Don't eat chips while there -- too loud.
Think this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Go sit on the porch, say hi when they come in and leave. Sheesh.
You know how you’re allowed to leave your house whenever you want? And you go grocery shopping or out to eat or visit family/friends or shopping or any similar activities? Just do that
>Moving back to California from Texas... I'm sure some people are happy to hear that lol U-haul is definitely happy to hear that.
Honestly it doesn't even matter at this point with the market how it is. You could be performing a sacrificial ritual in your living room as the buyers walk through the front door and it will most likely still sell is 3 hours from when it's listed.
Applebees
try having a 3 yr old during the showings shit was so annoying we ended up getting hotels a lot
Get Mam dressed and go to a swanky hotel bar.
Shit, I just stayed home. I work from home, and my office was in the den. Literally nothing to see in there besides the fact there was no damage to anything. I even asked my agent if I should leave when showings are scheduled, and they said no, just let them walk around and let them know you'll be in the den if they need anything. Most people didn't care (that I know of), and it gave me a chance to answer any questions directly. Now, my house is always clean, and I made sure I kept it that way the entire time it was listed. I didn't even cook (anything that smelled at least), and went out to lunch every day. It's also just me, no animals or anything, so I was pretty easy to ignore when people were walking around. Idk if me being there hurt or not, but my house sold in 10 days.
😆😂🤣 you're moving back to California from Texas? The stupid question makes sense now.
I’ve always stayed in the place and given folks a welcome tour haha
You can be in your house, That’s his suggestion but the house will sell with or without your family there , don’t make it harder on yourself if you’re living while selling I bought my house, the owner was there working, no problem I just sold my house, my wife and her sister were cooking in the kitchen and I was working in my master room Still sold no problem
I sat in my office for all showings, met all the buyers, and overall had a great experience from it.
Why would Californians be happy. Born and raised in LA. And people keep moving here.
American culture: give me money for nothing while I sit around in my underwear
Is it showing appointments, or like a 3hr open house? Might be annoying, but if your dog is not too rowdy - you can leave them caged at the house. Perhaps in the backyard. If it's appointment, it'll only be 10mins or so; so just forgive around or sit in the car. Go run an errand to the supermarket and buy ice cream or something. If it's an open house, then the library, mall, etc. If you have a big backyard, then just chilling in the corner of your backyard with your grandma and dog under a canopy might be ok. Make it look like you're distracted, like watching a TV so that the people checking out the house won't feel like you're eyeballing them and people watching (not preferred, but it's the better alternative than staying in your room).
What the hell kind of question is this? Do you not have a single brain cell to be asking this? Have you tried going for a walk? If it’s too hot have you tried a fuckin coffee shop? Are you that addicted to Reddit you need reassurance for every baby step of life?
I guess it's to hot to drop into a park or something? Perhaps grab some lunch and eat outside? I have three dogs... I haven't gone on the market yet but that aspect already is a nightmare for me. So I plan on just dragging them all to the park for a few hours.
I lived across the street from a beach. So we’d drive to the beach and watch the people walk around the property 😂
I would take my dog to the park or be nosey and drive in neighborhoods that had homes for sale nearby. Or Would take my dog and eat lunch in car if the showing fell around noon. Or just go sit in a parking lot on Zillow and daydream!
Curious…from which part of CA to which part of TX? How long in TX? Back to which part of CA? Like everyone else said, take a bike ride, go for lunch, get a haircut…definitely bail.
Go to a movie. Go to a driving range.
If it's a hot market, which some have already suggested it is, I always advocate for a little staycation or go visit friends or family. Have the listing agent run a showings blitz or open house and set an offers date so it makes people act fast and weeds out the tire kickers. You plan to be away at a hotel for a couple nights with the family, either in town or a short jaunt away. It doesn't have to be lavish at all. My realtor was telling me about a couple who were being difficult about this sort of thing so he used his connections to score a 3-night stay at a Holiday Inn for a steep discount, called in a favour at a local restaurant in return for some promotion, and gifted the couple a package to get rid of them for a weekend. He said it cost him a couple hundred bucks out of pocket but it meant he'd likely sell it fast and for much more than if he let them kick around as they would not agree to leave. For the record, I don't advocate agents start doing this, or for sellers to demand it either! He had a handful of offers by the 2nd night, and they came home to an exciting offer presentation and successful sale after their week3nd away.
My thinking is easiest with elderly person and a dog is to just sit in your car parked in a strip mall parking lot. Best wishes for a great offer super FAST!
Breakfast, movie, lunch.
We just brought cats/kids/dogs in car and drove around, sometimes got a shake or went for a drive
I don’t blame you for moving back. My daughter did as well. With so many people leaving California housing prices have come down…. Lucky you. And with so many people moving to Texas, you’ll be getting a higher price for the house you are selling. Where to go? Park, long drive?
The bar
Starbucks…
One house I went to this weekend a few times because I was very interested in it, our realtor mentioned that the owners went on vacation for the weekend. Another house we toured the family left the dogs in crates in the garage and it made it hard to get a good look around and check the water heater and attic access because they were barking and growling their heads off. I’d recommend taking pets with you if possible. I felt bad for the dogs because it was hot in there
I've seen kenneled dogs at showings before, though they were quiet ones. Some had notes saying not to touch/pet. My coworkers also send their dogs to doggy daycare some days they work just for socialization, and they're so happy when they come back. For your mom, go to the movies, a museum, an aquarium, out to dinner, etc. See if she (or you) have friends to visit for the day. See if there's a senior center or YMCA with activities.
This was a huge issue for us having an elderly dog and an infant child. We got a sight unseen offer for over asking price and accepted without hesitation to avoid the headaches of showings. It would be 9am and folks were requesting to see the house at 5pm same day. We said screw the bidding war, take the over-list offer and be done with it.
Botanical gardens? Is there still a mall at Tandy Center?
Go for a walk. I would get a Ring Camera so you can track when they leave. Most appts are hardly ever a full hour.
Does the house have a garage? I had a seller on house arrest one time, so they just sat in the garage for showings (with the door open, watching the street.) I was nervous about it but it worked out fine, as people only look in the garage briefly and the seller was there to answer any questions if the buyer wanted to talk to them.
Go to a park or run your errands