Expert: Hans Weber, Licensed Broker Associate - 7/17/2007

Question
I have a strange question! I just bought a second home at a nearby lake.  We love it.  It is located in a new development and we were the first to buy.  We closed three months ago.  I just received a call from the RE agent who said she has a couple who want to buy our model home, but she needs a home like ours to show.  Well, there is one going up like ours as well as a more basic home like ours with no extras.  Our home has a lot of extras.  The one going up is not 100% complete, but the majority of the walls are up.  Why these people "need to see a finished model" may be understandable, but not my problem.  We bought our home without seeing it 100% finished.  People need to use their imagaination!!  I kind of feel like if you let the RE agent show it once, she'll expect it again.  Truthfully, we have a beautiful home, but I don't want others in it, unless they are there for us!!  I'm just curious, is it standard form for RE agents to do this?  I think it's a bit out of line as we only had a business relationship with her.  PLUS, we've had a couple issues after closing and she doesn't even make much of an effort to get back to us unless we ask her twice!  

Another homeowner near us copied a lot of what we have such as paint color and tile color.  I almost feel like our home was used as a model before we closed.  I suppose there isn't much you can do about that, but they were extras which was on our tab.  Just curious about your thoughts.  Thanks.


Answer
Hi Lisa,

Thank you for your question.

Whether or not you let anyone into your home is up to you.  Some people might be flattered that others are copying your styles and tastes.  Other people might be angry.

I would say it is up to you if you feel the situation calls for it and you like the people or person you are doing the favor for.

You do not have an obligation to anyone to let them into your home after closing and before the closing I am sure they were showing your home as an example to some people who can't imagine the finished product.

I am sure you have a great home.  Enjoy it.

Hans