One thing that surprises buyers that come to the Twin Cities to look at homes is the house etiquette they must abide by. The number one rule is that upon entry, buyers and agents must remove their shoes before they venture further into the home.

I have had many question the reason, but it is definitely easier to explain in the middle of winter. Take for instance today, which was covered in a nice layer of slush. Imagine if you were a home owner who had to clean up a mess of dirty slushy footprints all over your newly cleaned floors. It would make anyone mad. Luckily, most sellers help out and provide a large rug where we can put our shoes, and some are even nice enough to provide a chair to sit on.

I remember one buyer, having worn lace-up shoes, refusing to take them off when we went in to a vacant home. I made it plainly clear that just because no one lives here, doesn’t mean we throw courtesy out the window. He got the point and took off his shoes.

So the best piece of advice I can give when shopping for your next home is to wear slip on shoes. Trust me, by the time you get to the fifth house, you will be soooo thankful!

About the Author:

4 Comments

  1. Dyspraxic Fundamentalist April 13, 2008 at 7:08 am - Reply

    I always visitors to my home to remove their shoes.

  2. Stapeliad April 15, 2008 at 1:29 pm - Reply

    I have a no shoes house rule too. It’s gross. Especially here in NYC,where people tend to walk everywhere. And the floor in the subway…gross.

    I have hardwood floors, so they are easier to clean, But shoes on carpet? YUCK.

  3. Jennifer Kirby April 16, 2008 at 6:33 am - Reply

    D F – removing shoes at the door really helps to keep my house clean, especially with two boys.

  4. Jennifer Kirby April 16, 2008 at 6:34 am - Reply

    Jessica,

    We have hardwood floors and it is amazing how easily you can see dirt on it. Makes me cringe to think of the same stuff getting trapped in carpet.

Leave A Comment Cancel reply