Palos Verdes Horse Property 310-493-8333: Don't Look the Dog in the Eye--Crazy Showing Instructions

You can imagine my surprise when the seller, upon consenting to a showing warned me, "Don't look the dog in the eye. He's afraid of strangers and will get very nervous if you make eye contact with him."

My next question was one of self-preservation and concern for my client's safety. "What kind of dog is he?" I was expecting her to say Pit Bull or Doberman due to the volume of the barking in the background.

"Shepherd," was her reply. Okay, I had to ask. "What happens if we inadvertently make eye contact?" I'm wondering if he attacks or slinks away and hides under a bed.

"He wets all over the floor." You have to know at this point I was wondering if I even wanted to show the property. After all, it would be my first outing with these particular clients. Secondly, if the dog made a mess due to my, or my client's improper glance, I would feel obligated to clean up the mess. Real estate requires agents to perform a wide variety of duties, but I consider pet pee cleanup beyond the scope of my job description.

I'm a bit of gambler and a risk taker, so I decided to show the property. It was the third house on the show list and by this time we had a built a bit of rapport. When I broached the subject of the nervous dog, they looked askew momentarily, and with a quizzical tone asked, "Are you serious? We can't look at the dog?" The next logical question was one I asked too. "Why don't they lock it in one of the bedrooms?"

I shook my head, "No, that makes him nervous too. He was a rescue dog and his home life was one of daily neglect and abuse. He has to roam free." With an arched eyebrow came the reply, "Okay. Let's go for it."

The showing went well, as far as I know no one made eye contact and I noticed no puddles. The house was not the one for my clients, but we did find the perfect match later that day. It was vacant with a big view, and no nervous dog.

Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

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South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Based on information from the Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing as of the initial date of this article/blog publication and /or other sources. Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.