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Opening viewing - concerns for my house

  • 26-01-2015 12:47pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26


    I hope this doesn't sound too ludicrous but here goes....

    Hubby and I are hoping to put our house up for sale in the coming month. Part and parcel of that these days is having a couple of opening viewings.

    We've put a lot of money into our home since we bought it, always with a view of making it attractive for a sale. The flip side of that is that I'm VERY protective of it. I have always had a no shoe policy in the house which has had no exceptions no matter who is calling - one of the main reasons for this is a very expensive walnut floor we put down on the ground floor which marks if you so much as look at it, let alone walk on it with shoes (never again). We might get away with mens shoes and runners but any sort of heel at all will mark it, end of.

    Has anyone any advice on how I would manage this for an open viewing - the logical side of me questions if i can reasonably expect people to take off their shoes but if we don't the floor will absolutely get destroyed??

    I realise this might sound like such a trivial thing to some readers but its genuinely a worry for me...


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 818 ✭✭✭Triangla


    I was asked to remove shoes when viewing a house. No problem at all.

    Just make sure to let estate agent know in advance so people aren't put on the spot and embarrassed by their mismatched or holed socks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 69 ✭✭HeyArnold320


    Heffc wrote: »
    I hope this doesn't sound too ludicrous but here goes....

    Hubby and I are hoping to put our house up for sale in the coming month. Part and parcel of that these days is having a couple of opening viewings.

    We've put a lot of money into our home since we bought it, always with a view of making it attractive for a sale. The flip side of that is that I'm VERY protective of it. I have always had a no shoe policy in the house which has had no exceptions no matter who is calling - one of the main reasons for this is a very expensive walnut floor we put down on the ground floor which marks if you so much as look at it, let alone walk on it with shoes (never again). We might get away with mens shoes and runners but any sort of heel at all will mark it, end of.

    Has anyone any advice on how I would manage this for an open viewing - the logical side of me questions if i can reasonably expect people to take off their shoes but if we don't the floor will absolutely get destroyed??

    I realise this might sound like such a trivial thing to some readers but its genuinely a worry for me...


    Why are you worried if you don't plan to live there anymore? I can possibly understand heals causing damage to the floor, in that case, you could politely explain the problem with heels.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,858 ✭✭✭Bigcheeze


    You don't need to have an open viewing. You can say you want no more than 2 couples viewing at any time.

    I viewed a house before where we were asked to remove shoes by the EA due to the light coloured carpets. Had absolutely no problem with it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 206 ✭✭TrishSimon


    Heffc wrote: »
    I hope this doesn't sound too ludicrous but here goes....

    Hubby and I are hoping to put our house up for sale in the coming month. Part and parcel of that these days is having a couple of opening viewings.

    We've put a lot of money into our home since we bought it, always with a view of making it attractive for a sale. The flip side of that is that I'm VERY protective of it. I have always had a no shoe policy in the house which has had no exceptions no matter who is calling - one of the main reasons for this is a very expensive walnut floor we put down on the ground floor which marks if you so much as look at it, let alone walk on it with shoes (never again). We might get away with mens shoes and runners but any sort of heel at all will mark it, end of.

    Has anyone any advice on how I would manage this for an open viewing - the logical side of me questions if i can reasonably expect people to take off their shoes but if we don't the floor will absolutely get destroyed??

    I realise this might sound like such a trivial thing to some readers but its genuinely a worry for me...

    Okay so I will be honest I am a house hunter and if I was going to a viewing and I was told to take my shoes off when entering the house I would think that was the most bizarre thing because you are leaving the house if you sell it so won't be there to see what happens to it, no one is going to buy your house based on your flooring more then likely in time they will change it as everyone has different tastes, I get where you are coming from I put down a really expensive floor in my apartment and when I was moving out and renting it I felt like anyone walking in with heels was wrecking it but I don't care now as its not my home anymore I just rent it out.
    People buy houses based on the area, garden size and amenities and other such things not the flooring, try relax a little you wont be there the day of the open viewings as owner are asked to leave but if you feel its really going to bother you buy cheap slippers in Pennys and leave at the door for people to put on you can throw them out after.

    Personally for me I like nothing better the to be able to relax in a house and if I was going somewhere and I was asked to take off my shoes I would be slightly put out but would oblige a home needs to be lived in and relaxed in to be called home so maybe in your next house choose floors that you wont be so worried about.
    Best of luck with your sale :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,341 ✭✭✭miezekatze


    I once went to an open viewing of a house that just had new carpet floors laid in all the rooms. They had sheets covering the floors to protect them. would that be an option? Depending on how busy the viewing will be, a no shoes policy might be very difficult to enforce.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,184 ✭✭✭Kenno90


    I dont think telling them to take their shoes off is a bad idea at all. These people are potentially going to buy your house, the fact that you are protective would be a great indication that the house is well looked after.

    Insist on a no shoe policy, and maybe limit the number of people in the house to a few couples.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 776 ✭✭✭seventeen sheep


    If anything, it would make a good impression on prospective buyers that you obviously have taken such good care of the house.

    I don't think it would be an unusual thing to ask. Perhaps you could buy a few cheap pairs of slippers from Penneys or similar to have by the door, just in case anyone might be uncomfortable walking around the house in their bare feet.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 833 ✭✭✭Riverireland


    Personally if I wee selling my house again I would not have an open viewing. I think it attracts tyre kickers and is also a lazy way for a estate agent to get viewings. Floor sounds like a nightmare.... Sorry.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26 Heffc


    thanks everyone for such quick feedback - it looks like people have different reactions to this issue, but I'm relieved there are so many of you that don't think its entirely unreasonable and have even seen it elsewhere before.

    HeyArnold and Trish Simon - regarding not living there anymore and therefore not worrying, its not quite that straight forward. To enable us to buy our next home we need our current home to reach a certain amount for our next deposit. We're hopeful it will but there are no guarantees, especially now with the new CBI rules about to be announced and the general volatility. If the house doesn't make a certain level, we'll have to stay put which will be a big blow in itself, let alone being reminded of it everyday by the marks on that damn floor!!

    I'm happy to bulk buy as many slippers as needed to ease the awkwardness. As it is I always have a stash of the hotel type slippers for people when they come to my house. I must have a google around and see if they can be bought in bulk online.

    Riverireland - I know exactly what you're saying about nosy neighbours and the like. I guess the hope is that you take the good with the bad and that an open viewing makes it easier in the first instance for those who are genuinely interested to take a first look.


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 32,286 Mod ✭✭✭✭The_Conductor


    I've been at a few viewings where protective shoe liners were supplied. These are the blue disposable shoe liners that you'd wear into an ICU ward type things. No idea where they got them from- but I imagine they only cost pennies.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 603 ✭✭✭BeatNikDub


    I've been at a few viewings where protective shoe liners were supplied. These are the blue disposable shoe liners that you'd wear into an ICU ward type things. No idea where they got them from- but I imagine they only cost pennies.

    Most EA's will have some of these already and if not will know exactly where to get them. It is not an unusual request.
    Discuss your concerns with your EA and they will make sure to do what they can for you :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,904 ✭✭✭✭ted1


    If I was asked to take off my shoes so that I wouldn't Mark the floor.
    I'd ask my self what kind of person puts a floor down that isn't fit for purpose.
    If I decided to make an offer I woyld subtract the cost of a new floor of my offer


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,295 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble


    First world problems.

    I wonder how much this floor has decreased the value of your house by. IMHO no one in their right mind would buy a house with a floor they cannot walk on.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,561 ✭✭✭✭lawred2


    Heffc wrote: »
    I hope this doesn't sound too ludicrous but here goes....

    Hubby and I are hoping to put our house up for sale in the coming month. Part and parcel of that these days is having a couple of opening viewings.

    We've put a lot of money into our home since we bought it, always with a view of making it attractive for a sale. The flip side of that is that I'm VERY protective of it. I have always had a no shoe policy in the house which has had no exceptions no matter who is calling - one of the main reasons for this is a very expensive walnut floor we put down on the ground floor which marks if you so much as look at it, let alone walk on it with shoes (never again). We might get away with mens shoes and runners but any sort of heel at all will mark it, end of.

    Has anyone any advice on how I would manage this for an open viewing - the logical side of me questions if i can reasonably expect people to take off their shoes but if we don't the floor will absolutely get destroyed??

    I realise this might sound like such a trivial thing to some readers but its genuinely a worry for me...

    Well that's walnut off the list of prospective flooring materials then


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,561 ✭✭✭✭lawred2


    First world problems.

    I wonder how much this floor has decreased the value of your house by. IMHO no one in their right mind would buy a house with a floor they cannot walk on.

    It's hard not to agree


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,391 ✭✭✭✭mikom


    Is the floor made out of walnut whips?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,077 ✭✭✭percy212


    Being asked to remove your shoes is really annoying, unless you are in Japan. If I was asked to de-shoe before entering a house, it would really put me off viewing at all. Seriously. Its just too precious when you are trying to make people feel at home, and generate positive emotions about the house. I would be ok with the blue paper shoe covers but they do remind me of open abdominal surgery. Probably not a good association for most people. Just let the people in, and clean up afterwards. Its part and parcel of a sale.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 116 ✭✭Nash Bridges


    I know some people who have "no shoe" houses so I don't think that it is a completely unreasonable request. You can buy disposable hotel slippers for €1.20 a pair on ebay such as the link below, buy 50 pairs of these for who ever wants them and state that it is a "no shoes" house without mentioning the delicate floor. If someone is serious about buying it will give the impression of a well kept home, those who are put off about changing their shoes were never serious anyway.


    http://www.ebay.ie/itm/1-5-pairs-of-WHITE-TOWELLING-HOTEL-SLIPPERS-TERRY-Spa-Guest-disposable-Job-lot-/281533662675?pt=UK_Women_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item418cb6c5d3


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 127 ✭✭username000


    While Id probably be happy to remove my shoes, I know plenty who wouldnt. Also depending on the day my sock could have a hole in it or my socks could be damp from cycling in the rain or something and I wouldnt want to be walking around in public in them. As for barefoot, Id never in a million years put my bare foot on a strange floor that other peoples strange bare feet were on, absolutely no way, Id be afraid of contracting a fungal infection.

    But as far as the floor goes, if I was viewing somewhere and told I couldnt walk on the floor Id immediately know Id have to pay to replace that floor with something that could be walked on so Id be counting that into my offer.

    Overall I think "no shoes" indoors is quite pretentious unless the person is in mud caked footwear. I did have one friend with a no shoe policy and I just stopped calling there because I always had cold feet in her house while my warm winter boots were sitting unworn in the hall.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,561 ✭✭✭✭lawred2


    I know some people who have "no shoe" houses so I don't think that it is a completely unreasonable request. You can buy disposable hotel slippers for €1.20 a pair on ebay such as the link below, buy 50 pairs of these for who ever wants them and state that it is a "no shoes" house without mentioning the delicate floor. If someone is serious about buying it will give the impression of a well kept home, those who are put off about changing their shoes were never serious anyway.


    http://www.ebay.ie/itm/1-5-pairs-of-WHITE-TOWELLING-HOTEL-SLIPPERS-TERRY-Spa-Guest-disposable-Job-lot-/281533662675?pt=UK_Women_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item418cb6c5d3

    I've been to an open house where the 'blue shoes' were a requirement... They were handed out at the door. Problem was that with an open house there were people falling over each other, leaning on each other, pushing people over in the doorway trying to put these shoe covers on... The people still in the queue outside didn't know what was causing the delay in the doorway and it ended up a total faff... People got pretty pi$$ed off by the whole thing. Hardly the best mood to put someone in before they've even got in the door of your house.

    If you want to protect your floor; then forego the public viewing and do private viewings where those viewing are asked kindly to either remove their shoes or wear those blue things so as to protect the floor.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,504 ✭✭✭Polo_Mint


    First world problems.

    I wonder how much this floor has decreased the value of your house by. IMHO no one in their right mind would buy a house with a floor they cannot walk on.

    This exactly.

    I lived in Germany for Years so im used to taking off my shoes going into houses for the only purpose of not walking dirt in from outside.

    Your floor is not fit for purpose.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,317 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    Personally if I wee selling my house again I would not have an open viewing. I think it attracts tyre kickers and is also a lazy way for a estate agent to get viewings. Floor sounds like a nightmare.... Sorry.
    Yeah, it attracts tyre kickers, but it makes a lot of sense for a lot of reasons, not least because it saves you having to get the house ready for a load of viewings. An open viewing when the house first goes up for sale means that everyone who's even remotely interested has a look. Otherwise you're having to polish up the house for the first 2/3 weeks to accommodate random viewings from people who are only half interested.
    I've been at a few viewings where protective shoe liners were supplied. These are the blue disposable shoe liners that you'd wear into an ICU ward type things. No idea where they got them from- but I imagine they only cost pennies.
    Builders use them a lot now when working on houses. I'm sure you can get boxes of 50 of them in Woodies or something.
    ted1 wrote: »
    If I was asked to take off my shoes so that I wouldn't Mark the floor.
    I'd ask my self what kind of person puts a floor down that isn't fit for purpose.
    Well if you walk around your house with no shoes on (like we do), then there's nothing wrong with such a floor, though personally I wouldn't bother because you will still occasionally drop stuff, and a soft wood floor will look stupid after a year of that.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 127 ✭✭username000


    seamus wrote: »
    Well if you walk around your house with no shoes on (like we do), then there's nothing wrong with such a floor, though personally I wouldn't bother because you will still occasionally drop stuff, and a soft wood floor will look stupid after a year of that.

    Do you never have any visitors?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,689 ✭✭✭✭TheDriver


    Reading the OPs post, I would get very concerned that in a months time you will be back complaining that no one wants to pay what you think the house is worth i.e. 20k onto the price because all your prize fittings cost that to put in. The reality is that people put some value into nice fittings but there are probably lots of things in your house that people will turf out. half the people viewing your house will tear out the floor and put down carpet and see no value in your efforts


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,134 ✭✭✭gubbie


    people her main problem isn't the dirt, it's her walnut floor. Dirt can be removed but every step a healed person takes on a walnut floor will leave little heal sized circles all over and looks rotten. So the blue coverings aren't an option.

    I think the slipper idea is a must. If people think that you're only doing it for these viewings due to so many strangers coming in and get presented with a brand new (get somethibg in a plastic bag so it's obvious), then I can't see how they would object.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,561 ✭✭✭✭lawred2


    gubbie wrote: »
    people her main problem isn't the dirt, it's her walnut floor. Dirt can be removed but ever step a healed person takes on a walnut floor will leave little heal sized circles all over and looks rotten. So the blue coverings aren't an option.

    I think the slipper idea is a must. If people think that you're only doing it for these viewings due to so many strangers coming in and get presented with a brand new (get somethibg in a plastic bag so it's obvious), then I can't see how they would object.

    I think everyone gets that...

    that's why it's been stated that her floor isn't fit for purpose..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,917 ✭✭✭✭iguana


    seamus wrote: »
    Well if you walk around your house with no shoes on (like we do), then there's nothing wrong with such a floor, though personally I wouldn't bother because you will still occasionally drop stuff, and a soft wood floor will look stupid after a year of that.

    My first thought about a floor like that is that it would be utterly unsuitable for children. If the floor can't handle shoes, how would it handle a vigorous game of cars? Or a toddler happily demolishing a wooden block tower. And forget about any sort of mobile pet.

    A floor like that would be a drawback to a large section of the market, so it would be best not to draw attention to it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,946 ✭✭✭Bigus


    First world problems.

    I wonder how much this floor has decreased the value of your house by. IMHO no one in their right mind would buy a house with a floor they cannot walk on.

    There's a big difference between shoes compared to stilettos with damaged rubbers on the heel and instead of a cushioning rubber have a big cobblers steel nail head putting 8 stone weight over a fraction of a square inch ,

    no wooden floor can withstand damaged or sometimes even good stilettos .


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,411 ✭✭✭ABajaninCork


    Doesn't bother me either way. When I was selling my flat in London, I had a newish beige carpet in my bedroom. I don't like shoes in the bedroom anyway, but hey! I wasn't planning on living there any more.

    Funny - With one or two exceptions, most people removed their shoes as soon as they walked in!

    In the West Indies, it's customary to remove your shoes when entering a house anyway, so I'm well used to it!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,134 ✭✭✭gubbie


    lawred2 wrote: »
    I think everyone gets that...

    that's why it's been stated that her floor isn't fit for purpose..

    i don't think everyone does because plenty have been saying use blue covers.

    There's not much she can do about her floors. She's not going to recarpet them to sell. Telling her that her floors are not fit for purpose doesn't really help


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,238 ✭✭✭✭Dial Hard


    Bigus wrote: »
    no wooden floor can withstand damaged or sometimes even good stilettos .

    We're not talking about damaged stilettos, the OP has basically said the floor marks if it's even so much as looked at. Which is (rightly) going to be massively offputting to a lot of viewers.

    Reminds me of the time my mother put an unsealed oak floor that couldn't be got wet into one of the bathrooms in our house. Looked gorgeous - for about a week :rolleyes:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26 Heffc


    thanks for the feedback all. As always with these things, people have very different views!!

    Gubbie, you're dead right on those blue booties, with a pair of high heels, they won't make any difference. A lot of wooden floors gets pock marked with high heels, I see it all the time in other houses, restaurants etc. Some people have no issue with it, its just something I don't like.

    We mentioned to the EA a while back so just need to revisit that conversation and see how best he thinks we should deal with it. I'd much rather do private viewings for a host of reasons, but I think to give ourselves the best chance we probably need to do the open ones unfortunately.

    thanks again all for feedback :-)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 58 ✭✭Repetto


    I'd have no problem taking off my shoes if asked - in fact I viewed a house recently and did same, as did everyone else. Everyone feels differently about an issue like this. To me it's normal not to wear shoes indoors, but I lived for years in Germany where it's a given you remove shoes before entering a house, and now I hate the thoughts of outdoor shoes inside, yuck! But that's beside the point. If you don't want people wearing shoes, specify it to EA and if it turns out to be off putting to potential purchasers I'm sure he/she will let you know and you can re-assess. Agree though it would show that you mind your house well, which would be a plus for me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,075 ✭✭✭Rasmus


    I would have no issue removing shoes for the viewing, but if the agent explained it as a major issue, I would consider bidding below what I may have offered without the un-usable walnut floor. (In other words, it may put people off a bit).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,917 ✭✭✭✭iguana


    Heffc wrote: »
    A lot of wooden floors gets pock marked with high heels, I see it all the time in other houses, restaurants etc. Some people have no issue with it, its just something I don't like.

    So was your OP an exaggeration and it's only stilletos that are the problem? In that case I wouldn't say a word about your floor being easily damaged or you'll make what sounds like your own fussiness appear like a very off putting and expensive issue to potential buyers.

    In all honesty there isn't a chance in hell I'd ask buyers to take off their shoes. What's the point in having an open viewing if you do so in such a way that it makes even 10% of the viewers uncomfortable. It's shooting yourself in the foot.

    When I sold my old house, the first thing I did was go to B&Q and buy a bottle of wooden floor laquer polish. You just mop it on, it takes a few minutes to do and a few minutes more to dry. Makes your floors look freshly varnished. I put that on half an hour before every viewing and there was never a scuff to be seen. A way better option than making people feel my floor wasn't fit for purpose.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 728 ✭✭✭CassieManson


    First world problems.

    I wonder how much this floor has decreased the value of your house by. IMHO no one in their right mind would buy a house with a floor they cannot walk on.

    I agree, its not much of a selling point. Personally I hate being asked to take off my shoes when I visit someones house. It is not very hospitable. I would not chose to buy a house where I would have to inflict this on my guests.

    Could you put rugs down to cover the floor and reduce the impact of shoes?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,088 ✭✭✭SpaceTime


    Wearing pointed heals into someone's house is just damn rude in my opinion.

    A few years ago a 'friend' of mine walked into my house with stilettos on and actually cracked 5 tiles in the bathroom and left puncture marks all over the place. Cost a lot of money to fix and she could see nothing wrong with it.

    I'm talking maybe 15 stone per stiletto point ...

    You might as well just take a chisel to the floors.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,517 ✭✭✭Sunny Dayz


    OP is there any way you could put large rugs over the walnut floor? Beg borrow or steal a few from your friends and neighbours for the few hours of the opening viewing. The rugs would hopefully cushion the floor from shoes and heels. Dunno what excuse you could have though for putting them all down as it would look like you are trying to hide something underneath...


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 32,286 Mod ✭✭✭✭The_Conductor


    Also- remember- you are selling the house to someone. If the walnut floor gets scratched- its their problem. With respect of the walnut floor- while you may love it- unless you find a similar lover of walnut floors- its an albatros- and getting precious about people walking on it- throws up the question- do you really want to move- you appear to be far too attached to the property........

    You have to look at these things in a cold and clinical manner.
    Do you want to sell the house- yes or no?
    How can you make potential purchasers most likely to offer you the best possible price for the property?
    Are there any weird things- like your walnut floor, walls painted burgundy or black, weird wallpaper, exposed telephone cables along skirting boards- etc etc etc- little things that you might notice if you went into someone else's house, but that you are oblivious to in your own home?

    You are not protecting your floor- you are protecting a floor that you imagine has a value to someone else. Realistically- this may very well not be the case- this is something you have to be bluntly cognisant of.

    Personally- I'd rip it up and put down rough terracotta tiles- they're easy to clean and don't take much care.

    Perhaps you may find someone who loves the floor as much as you do- however, and despite what you may imagine- its an acquired taste- most people most certainly do not go for that sort of thing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 600 ✭✭✭SMJSF


    Marks, scratches and dents happen. you should have gotten laminate if you don't want it "Damaged".


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 80 ✭✭mrmitty


    People spit and blow their noses and the dogs poo on the streets and then we walk on these same streets with our shoes.
    When you enter my house I'll ask you kindly to remove your shoes for that reason.
    If you can't show that minimal amount of respect for my home then you're not welcome in it.
    It's a hygiene thing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,374 ✭✭✭aido79


    If a prospective buyer is really serious about buying the house then shouldn't they be concerned about damaging their future floor and therefore take their shoes off not just out of respect for the op's wishes but also for the fact that a damaged floor might soon be their problem and something they will have to look at everyday if they buy the house?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 776 ✭✭✭seventeen sheep


    aido79 wrote: »
    If a prospective buyer is really serious about buying the house then shouldn't they be concerned about damaging their future floor and therefore take their shoes off not just out of respect for the op's wishes but also for the fact that a damaged floor might soon be their problem and something they will have to look at everyday if they buy the house?

    That's what I'm thinking. If I was attending the open viewing, and strongly interested in buying the house - and if I actually loved the look of the walnut floor - it would kill me to watch a perfect new floor being marked and scratched in front of my eyes, I'd nearly be telling the other viewers to take off their shoes myself! :O

    I think most people realise that a floor like that won't last for years - but even if you were planning to replace the floor at some stage after moving in, at least it would be nice to be able to enjoy it in good condition for the first few weeks/months/years after moving in, until you get around to replacing it.

    Also, no need to mention the walnut floor when asking people to remove their shoes. Plenty of people have that policy in place purely for hygiene reasons. You will have several stangers traipsing germs from the street and from public transport etc into every single room in your house - I'd be inclined to ask them to remove their shoes even if it weren't for the floor!

    And so what if they think you're being over-the-top or germophobic etc - they won't have to live with you; it won't put them off buying the house if they want it enough.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 833 ✭✭✭Riverireland


    seamus wrote: »
    Yeah, it attracts tyre kickers, but it makes a lot of sense for a lot of reasons, not least because it saves you having to get the house ready for a load of viewings. An open viewing when the house first goes up for sale means that everyone who's even remotely interested has a look. Otherwise you're having to polish up the house for the first 2/3 weeks to accommodate random viewings from people who are only half interested.

    Builders use them a lot now when working on houses. I'm sure you can get boxes of 50 of them in Woodies or something.

    Well if you walk around your house with no shoes on (like we do), then there's nothing wrong with such a floor, though personally I wouldn't bother because you will still occasionally drop stuff, and a soft wood floor will look stupid after a year of that.

    I see what you're sayings Seamus but I would still not hold an open viewing again for the following reasons.

    You can not sell or give individual attention to a large group of people. People would find it difficult to get individual attention from the estate agent.

    Parking, most areas can not accommodate an extra 15 or so cars particularly on evenings or weekends so it suggest that parking is normally an issue.

    Most 3 - 4 bed houses would look cramped with all the extra people so you're not giving the House the best chance.

    Everyone has had a good look on the internet. If the are actually interested they will turn up for a proper viewing. The seller just needs to deal with the inconvenience or risk not maximising the value.

    I could list many more but I'm on a phone...ðŸ˜


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,561 ✭✭✭✭lawred2


    SpaceTime wrote: »
    Wearing pointed heals into someone's house is just damn rude in my opinion.

    A few years ago a 'friend' of mine walked into my house with stilettos on and actually cracked 5 tiles in the bathroom and left puncture marks all over the place. Cost a lot of money to fix and she could see nothing wrong with it.

    I'm talking maybe 15 stone per stiletto point ...

    You might as well just take a chisel to the floors.

    jaysus how big was yer wan?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,561 ✭✭✭✭lawred2


    Personally speaking; I hate open viewings. And they usually turn me off the property.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 389 ✭✭by the seaside


    If anything, it would make a good impression on prospective buyers that you obviously have taken such good care of the house.

    I don't think it would be an unusual thing to ask. Perhaps you could buy a few cheap pairs of slippers from Penneys or similar to have by the door, just in case anyone might be uncomfortable walking around the house in their bare feet.

    Good idea re slippers. Or those disposable blue plastic overshoes they have at my swimming pool for the changing room (which split over my size 12's but that's another story.

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Disposable-Overshoes-pack-100/sim/B003BV8TL2/2

    I am in UK but you'll know Irish retailers that do similar.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,088 ✭✭✭SpaceTime


    lawred2 wrote: »
    jaysus how big was yer wan?

    Very!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 127 ✭✭username000


    mrmitty wrote: »
    People spit and blow their noses and the dogs poo on the streets and then we walk on these same streets with our shoes.
    When you enter my house I'll ask you kindly to remove your shoes for that reason.
    If you can't show that minimal amount of respect for my home then you're not welcome in it.
    It's a hygiene thing.

    People masturbate, use the toilet, handle animals, handle animal poo, blow their nose, dont wash their hands, handle money, you get the money as change in a shop.

    At least you dont use your hands on the floor and unless you are eating your dinner off the actual floor the hygiene argument just doesnt stand up.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 389 ✭✭by the seaside


    People masturbate, use the toilet, handle animals, handle animal poo, blow their nose, dont wash their hands, handle money.

    Not at my open house viewing, they don't


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