Home showing with young children can present a unique set of challenges. Heres how to keep the process as easy as possible when the kids are along for the ride.
1. Limit daily showings
Michelle Blue, CRS, a REALTOR® with Windermere Real Estate/HLC in Woodinville, Washington, never shows more than four or five homes to families who have small children with them because the showings become overwhelming for the kids, which makes it hard for the parents to focus. If shes working with a couple who must do more, such as a family only in town for a day or two to scope out homes for a relocation, she hires a trustworthy babysitter.
2. Go early
Early showings are the best bet whenever possible. Tours in the morning are generally more successful than the afternoon because its not as hot, and the children arent missing nap time, Blue says.
3. Keep toys on hand
Ginger Orem, CRS, a REALTOR® with Crown Real Estate AK. Inc. in Fairbanks, Alaska, has toys in her car and also gives children little note pads and pencils so they can take notes just like their parents. The note pads can also be used for doodling and coloring. Blue always has individually wrapped snacks, car travel games, paper, markers and a first aid kit with childrens character bandages in the car to keep them occupied and to easily handle any little mishaps.
4. Use a scout
Kimberly Cameron, CRS, a listing and relocation coordinator with RE/MAX Properties West in St. Louis, Missouri, once worked with a family that was touring homes with six children. She accompanied one of the parents the pickier one to check out the property first. If it was a dud, so there was no sense in everyone getting out of the car, she says.
5. Keep children with you
From fragile keepsakes to vicious dogs and pet tarantulas, Orem has seen it all in sellers homes. As a result, shes very careful about watching younger children and making sure they dont break anything or find something that can hurt them while on a home tour. The REALTOR® should go in first to be sure that everything is safe, and then everyone should work together to watch the children, she says.
