With plenty of REO and other distressed properties that do not have the utilities turned on, late showings in the winter can be a challenge.
Not only is it very cold inside the properties, if you are out in the country in the middle of the woods it can be very, very dark.
I carry an LED flashlight for such occasions. It discharges a bright, eerily blue light that casts a surreal beam of antiseptic illumination that allows for safety and a piece by piece interpretation of the property.
And whether or not a potential purchaser can assemble the jigsaw puzzle and form a cognitive conclusion regarding the property is still a matter that is yet unproven. It could have been a total waste of time.
But it sure was a lot of fun!
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I have done this a few times and you are right! It is kind of fun! I must say that the homes we viewed this way we did not make offers on.......
It must be my age, Richard, but that sounds eerie to me......
Winter time does make it hard to show some properties after 5pm. Not only is it a problem to see the inside but it is even harder to view the exterior of all properties.
Richard,
Part of the Realtors toolkit in 2010.
Rich
Richard:
I am always looking for a good (small) flashlight that I can carry whenever I show properties. I have a mini "Maglite" that I can slip into my pocket. It is truly a necessity.
My husband bought me a great flashlight as part of my Christmas gifts that lights up the entire room and I can recharge the batteries either by plugging it into an electrical outlet or the car adapter. It's a must around here with all the REO properties. Even in the daytime it can be really dark in the basement. Don't even get me started on the temperature. I have to say though, that I really hate going down into a dark basement, even with my flashlight. I find it kinda freaky.
LOL. It certainly takes a big chunk out of our work hours in the winter. In the summer we can show property with light, until 8:30 or 9:00 p.m. But at least we're back on the upswing now. Slowly but surely, we'll get our longer days back =)
Richard~ I,too have done the flashlight showings. And the buyer has a difficult time figuring out the "puzzle pieces". But it is different.
have also done this a few times.. It works great with a lantern.. Have one I have easy access to in the garage in case I need it.
Richard, you're a brave soul. My partner did one of these with a buyer last week. When the noises and possible rodents started scurrying in the dark they ran for it. I had to go out and lock up the home since they were long gone and not about to stay around! :-)
Hi Richard,
You are truly dedicated and as Gabe said a brave soul. A flashlight is a necessity but I'm afraid I would not have needed it as I would not have been willing to show the property when it was dark , in the woods and on a cold night. Another day at a better time..I'm a chicken!!
Richard, I had to do the same thing 2 weeks ago plus I found an open window to crawl into since there was no lock box like the agent said there was. And it was freeeeeezing! Oh, the things we do! :)
Richard,
I also hand my buyers flashlights but now need to explore the LED model. Bet I'll need it!
Sounds like a bit of a scavenger hunt...as long as the critters are away!
It has been such a long time since I did that. Ironically I talked with clients yesterday who bought about 7 years ago that were "flashlight" clients, they are thinking of selling. So I find it sort of karmaish that you wrote this post yesterday.
Richard, I don't care much for these types of showings. I'm always worried about critters--mice and, even worse, rats are not my favorite things. I've heard some nightmare stories from friends showing foreclosures and short sales with no lights. No thank you!!
I had to start carrying a flashlight with me when more and more people wanted to take a look at REO's too. It has come in handy.
Richard,
I think I'd be worried about liability if a client tripped and fell in the dark.
I keep 3 flashlights in my car just for this reason. Glad you made it a little fun.
Richard - Flashlight showings are always a lot of fun