What would you have done? Long post

[bananiem]

OK, we're trying to sell our house without a realtor. One couple is quite interested and has come twice, bringing his parents once and staying for over an hour. They've asked for a purchase agreement, etc. It's a small town and we are acquaintances and know people in common.
Today she called wanting the floor plans so they can see square footage and figure out if furniture will fit. No problem. But then she called back and asked if she could bring a friend to show her the house. I've had kids sick with the stomach flu off and on the past week, the beds were stripped so I could wash sheets and I have laundry (folded) all over the family room floor. The bathrooms are clean but I haven't vacummed or mopped the kitchen floor for a week.
I told her no because I would be embarrassed to have anybody see it this way. Do you think I should have let her friend come too?
Sometimes I'm accused of being too picky about people seeing the house. I feel like if I didn't just clean the whole house within the last 48 hours nobody can come over. (Needless to say, we don't have company very often!! )

 

[jkovick]

Your kids were sick, she didn't give you notice--I think you did just fine.

 

[gymnasticsmom68]

Originally posted by jkovick
Your kids were sick, she didn't give you notice--I think you did just fine.

ITA, a little notice would be nice.

 

[pjlla]

I would say that she needs to give at least 12-24 hours notice before coming over. ESPECIALLY since you have had sick kids and such. Hopefully you explained all that to her and she was understanding! I know how you feel about people seeing the house dirty/messy. I would have done the same thing.

When we first built our house, it was an upgrade to our builder's "standard" house, so he called frequently to ask if he could show our house. One time he called and I thought he was at the realtors office (25 minutes away). I had just gotten home from work and I realized that the big whirlpool tub (something everyone wanted to see) never got cleaned the day before. So I hiked my pants up to my knees, got barefoot, and climbed in with the cleaner and sponge. About 3 minutes later I hear
"HELLOOO" from downstairs!! Come to find out, the builder was calling from his cell phone in the neighborhood, practically across the street. They had been ringing the bell, but with the tub water running I didn't hear!! Needless to say, I was a bit embarrassed that day!! .....................P

 

[Teris]

I agree too,, it's still your home at the moment,, and with the kids sick,, you definately don't want a potential buyer and her friend to catch anything.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

You would have told a realtor it wasn't a good time, so don't sweat it.

 

[Big V]

I would have told her no too.

 

[AmazingGrace]

I'm on the other end of the spectrum. I'm buying a house from a friendly aquaintance. I'd love to get into that house with a measuring tape, and just look around, and ask the owner some questions. I'd also like to bring a friend or two to see my new home. But I wouldn't dream of disturbing the owner. She's a home school mom with four kids, one of which is an infant. If I called her up and asked to come over with no notice, then I'd honestly expect her to say no. It sounds like your buyer is going to have to wait, and if she really wants the house, then she should respect that. I hope your kids are feeling better!!

 

[Pop Daddy]

long post

 

[mudnuri]

Okay maybe I've missed something here...

first you dont have a purchase and sales agreement, according to your post, "they've asked"....

2nd a realtor would NEVER call without notice, so why should you allow a prospective buyer to come.....

Even if you have a purchase and sales agreement...you should not feel obligated to allow her to walk through your house to see where she's going to put what....it's still your house!....she hasn't handed over the dough, and you havent handed over the keys.

I can't imagine asking a seller to let me in with friends because I want them to "see it"...geez...it's not like they'll never come over after you buy it.

I'm just totally flabergasted from the post really!

Whats really that important that it cant wait until the closing..most people I know dont move in the day of the closing anyway, plenty of time to measure for their furntiture!

Brandy

 

[bananiem]

Originally posted by mudnuri
Even if you have a purchase and sales agreement...you should not feel obligated to allow her to walk through your house to see where she's going to put what....it's still your house!....she hasn't handed over the dough, and you havent handed over the keys.

Thank you everybody! I think the above quote pretty much sums up what I was thinking at the time. When we sold our other home with a realtor I had a not quite 2 year old and a 3 1/2 year old. He told me if somebody called it would be in my best interest to wake them from a nap if I had to.
Luckily that home sold in under a week.
In her defense I can understand wanting to measure for furniture. If my dining room furniture wasn't going to fit in the dining room I might have second thoughts too!
Pop Daddy- I warned you!!!

 

[mommyseven]

I'm confused. Do they have an actual contract on the house, or did they just ask for an agreement (to sign later)?

If they have signed the agreement (contract) I would have told her that you would love to have her and her friend over, but the children are ill. I would suggest a day the following week for them to come.

If they didn't sign an agreement, I would have told her that I would love to have them come by but the kids are ill. I would have suggested a day later that same week.