873,519
Some of the answers here are hilarious. The question was would you tell your clients about the snakes. Me...yes I would. But not until they had moved far enough away that one of them doesn't injure themselves by needlessly panicking.
On a side note to the couple of Florida responses on here... we northerners are very accustomed to many types of snakes...including some that are deadly and some that are harmless. Most snake species thrive in the north and I can confidently say that not one of those species has yet to kill me...but a Garter snake will bite even when you are trying to move it away from the mower...and it hurts.
On a 2nd side note...I know of exactly Zero (0) number of "folks" who live outside of Florida that could care less if a particular real estate agent who posted here thinks she can determine whether they are fit to "live in Florida" or not. I do, however, know one (1) real estate broker in Nebraska who will never refer a client to her.
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Bob Crane
Stevens Point, WI
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Warren Damiano
Little Falls, NJ
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Mike McCann Nebraska L...
Kearney, NE
1,432,649
Yes while I am moving away from the door. One snake and I am curious to make sure it is not a poisonous snake, but 2 or more and I am wondering about what is going on to attract all those snakes to this house.
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Mary Lawler
San Diego, CA
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Gene Riemenschneider
Brentwood, CA
2,194,668
I am with Juli. I would be screaming so loud that the buyers would go deaf or run back to the car covering their ears because my piercing voice is about to break their eardrums. On top of that, they would be holding me in their arms if they're still standing.
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Tawnya Marney
Houston, TX
314,589
Warren,
I would say' step back we have visitors". Of course you would tell them. That's a given.
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Sharon Altier
Elmhurst, IL
5,829,143
While I pride myself on being a tough Texan, I am afraid of snakes. Anyone within a two block radius would have been able to hear my scream
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Cindy Dudley
League City, TX
7,343
Annette...I did not say I encountered it yesterday in the snow, I KNOW they were harmless garter snakes, as you can see the photo was taken during the summer, and of course I showed the clients the snakes so they could make an informed decision and we all got a good chuckle out of it...please take a chill pill. Mama Mia
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Ranee Bray
Cedar Park, TX
1,622,432
I think, they would figure out by my screaming that there is something there, lol.
I heard, that some FL houses have alligators stopping by?
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Shalonda Chappel
Eastvale, CA
2,817,671
I would definitely tell them. And, I'm thinking that's a bad sign...may be lots of rodents and/or insects around.
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Susan Alvine
East Hampton, NY
823,731
Yes! I would be screaming, no way to get around it.
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Shalonda Chappel
Eastvale, CA
279,878
4,800,082
630,251
248,771
...back up cool and slowly. Your Clients will follow your lead. Reminds me of the Chicago Super Rat who pulled up along the left side of me curb side, like he had met me before. This Cool-Dude quietly looked to the right and to the left like he's navigated traffic old school, then proceeded across the street into the 2-Flat I planned to tour like he owned the joint. I turned to the Buyers on my right and said no I don't think so today!
216,904
Yes, one should tell the clients. There have been stories of homes infested with bugs, as well as snakes (caught that documentary on tv years back...). Not to say this home was infested, but 4 in a small space may mean they have a home below or could be passing through. Either way, a heads up to potential buyers would be appreciated by them. If I saw them again, I would probably call the listing agent and give them a heads up.
305,560
I must say there are a lot of interesting responses. LOL. I have had 4 snakes at my place. So I'd be like, grab the shovel.. LOL
672,772
Dear Warren,
Was that one of the houses, that was built on top of a hiberarium? Yes, I would tell, as a lot of people are scared of snakes. Not many poisonous ones around here.
5,049,450
Yep I sure would, but would try to get inside or out of the way first. I'm not fond of snakes and don't care if I ever see them. I would probably also tell the listing agent - perhaps there's are nest nearby?
We do have to be careful of rattlers in our area, especially in the summer
557,375
With 4 snakes on the property, I would back away, and have a conversation about the area and the sightings of harmless snakes and determine if that is going to be a deal breaker. If, no, I'll proceed with caution and inform them, if yes, I'll recommend another listing in another neighborhood.
284,687
Warren - Sounds like it was a "snake highway" if there were 4 of them all together! I'd definitely point them out to the buyers so they could decide if they could (occasionally?) lie with them. At least they weren't rattlesnakes like we have in places here! I had an experience at a showing last summer when I opened the back door to a home that had sat vacant for quite a while. A scorpion fell from the top door jamb and landed on my head, then shoulder, then mercifully, the ground. Luckily it didn't sting me on the way down. I smashed it under foot. It didn't seem to bother that particular buyer.
637,434
If you are in the country, you are bound to come across snakes. The snakes at my property are honored guests, they keep down the insect and bug population. When they lie in the sun like that, they are just warming themselves. However, knowing how many people are scared of them, the listing agent should be told. Maybe just mowing the lawn will make them go somewhere else.
11,893
1,767,614
We don't have many snakes around here, so when I see one I tend to be startled. I don't think I've ever screamed, but I do jump. They'd notice whether I told them or not.
7,360
OMG Warren, this happened to me making my very first sale in real estate. The day before when touring the couple, there was a lizard in the road and the wife said she hated snakes and lizards.
The next day we are on the lot she wants to build her new home on and I spot a dead snake. I casually moved away and lead them in another direction. Made the sale, but I know if she'd seen the snake it would have been a dead deal. Living in Cabo San Lucas, there are lots of snakes so it is an issue to overcome.
2,759,871
I suspect my clients would know something's up when I go to my car to get a long stick and scare the snake away.
If the front area was overgrown, I'd let the listing agent know.
911,338
Stop, stay calm, try to identify type. Those in pic look like garter snakes which are harmless, and afraid of people as much as some people are afraid of them. We have plenty of them as well as black snakes around here. We're use to them. But just go 2 miles west of here at base of mountain, we have copper heads and rattle snakes which are a different story.
539,468
The National Notary Association had a recent story about a mobile notary in Durango, Colorado that went to a customer's home to notarize a document. The notary opened her briefcase and noticed something reddish-orange moving at the bottom.
It was a small multi-colored snake. Red/black/yellow/black color bands. The customer looked it up on Google and they decided it was a milk snake or king snake, not poisonous. But it mimics the coral snake, which is poisonous, but has red/yellow/black/yellow bands.
Red next to black is a friend of Jack,
Red next to yellow will kill a fellow.
Coral snakes are not native to Colorado. Rattlesnakes are our only poisonous snakes.
They took the briefcase outside and let the snake go.
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Yes, that is the actual photo.....you can see one and the tail of the other sticking out that just went under the siding, the other 2 were on the other side of the door. Simple garter snakes, harmless, but it freaked out the client a little as you can imagine.
6,393,609
Yes, and if they do not run I may even ask them to help get rid of the snakes.
472,707
If that's the photo of the situation, they were probably just warming themselves up in the sun. I'd be looking at the type of snake before deciding how to proceed. But since snakes freak a lot of people out, whether or not they are dangerous, I'd absolutely tell!
149,298
Lived in Indiana with 2 boys who loved to stash them into their pockets. They found a baby garter an wrapped a bandaid around it instead of along the wound. Had fun rearranging that bandaid. He survived another day. That was just a usual happening in the summertime. Then moved to Texas. Not crazy about the venomous ones. Showed a property to 80 year old friend of the hubby. He was interested in one property that needed a lot of work. Mating season in South Texas. Property had high grass so we were cautious tapping at the high grass. I tripped and hit the rail against the house. Heard a distant rattle. Yikes! Looked around cautiously while getting up. No locks on doors because of broken windows. Trouble opening the door and he pushed really hard on the stuck door. Yep! He used his cane to open a little further. He yelled, I flew on the way back to the truck. He got to the truck before me. I saw 3 big rattlers, he saw more. Found out the house was sitting on top of a snake den. Had enough of houses that day. Got a couple of beers at 10:00 a.m. Finally found a house but the yardwas mowed. and no snakes we could see. Not a fan of venomous or anything that can squeeze me and eat me..
50,419
Once I went to present a contract to a client who had purchased the town of Bubble Bee, a remote location just off the freeway that has an exit sign for Bubble Bee bigger than the town itself. Once I exited the freeway on the way to my client's house, I saw several rattle snakes crossing the road. When I arrived at my client's house and we engaged in conversation, I mentioned that I had seen more snakes driving up to his property than I had seen all my life. He calmly replied "yes, we simply sweep them off the porch". Yikes!
392,768
If I knew what type of snake they were I would just say, 'Oh look, there are lots of garter snakes who naturally take care of insects and mice'. Won't it be nice not to have to have an exterminator? This would let me know what their feelings are about snakes.
821,426
I wouldn't have to say anything - the screams would be loud enough to hear a block away!!! I don't care how "harmless" they may be - they "harmed" my heart!!!!
659,119
Of course we would tell them, I think it's instinctual for someone to say, "Wow, look at the snakes!" when seeing them. And then beat a hasty retreat...
539,468
8,877
I can say that I would scream and jump back, probably let loose with a curse word, just like when I saw a dead mouse on top of the stove in a country property. The funny part of that is when I calll the listing agent he asked me to get rid of it...uh, NO!
225,887
It is best to tell them. Snakes probably freak more people out than any other creature, my wife being one. If this happened to her, she would not even go in the house. Silly but true.
57,915
That many that close to the house you will deal with them inside the house for sure. Harmless or not there are too many around!
7,343
AS A FUNNY FOLLOW UP....I yelled in the door to the owner that there were several snakes on his porch...very non-chalantly he said.."Yeah, they are there alot". I guess he really didn't care about the sale. When the agent called for feedback I told her the story and she didn't seem surprised either?
953,617
196,080
I would probably have a heart attack. I'm scared to death of all snakes. It might be one of those snake nest houses?
9,635
LMBO.....it has happened to me more than once!! I always try to smile and say - "Oh look......my grandson would love that if I would bring it back to him......NOT happening!!"
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431,823
Warren ~ I wouldn't say a word as I leaped into the arms of the client!
19,838
I would definitely point them out; just like I point out the little lizards that are everywhere down here in the Gulf Coast of Texas. Curiosity would make me take a picture, google, and post. While I am terrified of copperheads (I grew up in SC) and rattlesnakes, the little garden (garter) snakes make me smile.
1,251,755
Warren Damiano
I would tell the client so we could both step back away from their range. I don't like snakes but would definitely have my trusty phone out so I could get a few good shots as it was slithering away.
1,844,301
Well I would because there was this one weird story in IL where the house was built on a mating mound or something odd. They all flock to that area at that certain times of year.
4,434,127
Interesting post. Actually I just read an article about whether sellers should diclose if there have been snakes in the house, in the sellers disclosure. In some cultures it is considered to be a bad omen.
732,712
Never ran into a snake! I think it would be turn off for most clients, even tho snakes are everywhere, we just usually don't see them.
522,311
69,195
921,504
In NJ, where temps go below freezing, the chance encounter of a dangerous snake in a residential community is less the winning power ball. The one pictured is a young and harmless black snake or rat snake. HARMLESS.
Here in Florida, the little black ring snakes are what keep the Anole population under control. The Anole keeps the moths and other multi-legged creepy crawly under control. Harmless snakes are beneficial snakes. Now, when you hear a rattle, that becomes an entirely different story.
Too often an up north person, at first opportunity, wants to kill everything in Florida, starting with the essential snakes to the iconic alligator. These people want to turn Florida into a mall, to strip her of her native glory, to deny those who can celebrate what makes Florida special, the opportunity to do so.
The 'test at the door' you introduce gives me the opportunity to determine if these folks should live in Florida. Some really should stay where ever they came from and should not consider the Sunshine State as a destination.
I would say,
"Florida is a glorious place to live. Located on the migratory path that stretches to northern Canada and into the heart of South America. We have the privilege of seeing the very best nature has to offer which also requires of us to be exceptional custodians of our privilege. This means keeping Florida natural. Part of the environment can be seen in every front and back yard by simply watching what flies and leaps. It is a fragile balance we must maintain which includes foliage and fauna, critters that watch and control other critters, nearly all of wich are harmless to us, but depend on us for sanctuary. Let me introduce you to the keeper of the grounds essential to keeping the lizards and big bugs under control and no chemicals from Monsanto is required. No chemicals, you like that don't you? Let me introduce Rosencicarobthedilla and Randy."
5,104,931
AFter I get up from my dead faint, I'd be running as fast as I could. I'm terrified of snakes!
2,224,473
Wow...I've only had one snake ever show up for a showing. If it's a harmless snake, I would treat it like it's not a big deal. Rattlesnakes are rare in my area. This is an extremely rural area, and I think a wildlife sighting on a showing isn't a big deal for the buyers or myself.
4,319,419
Warren Damiano - first things first - safety. So stop moving forward and ask them to go back to the car. And next, yes, disclose!
Now if they like the snakes and you don't, you may still want them to refer out to someone.....at least you'll get paid for referral.... (just kidding, my friend!)
1,683,912
I wouldn't say a thing. I would just turn around and herd them outside before telling them. Someone may have gotten hurt from the screaming, yelling and everyone trying to get back out the door.
2,443,250
OMG, I wouldn't have to, they would know something is very wrong by my screaming and running away.
750,057
I hate snakes. The Buyers would not need to be notified as they would see that I just crapped my pants.
3,988,007
That is downright scary. Yes I would tell them to get back away and mostly so I could jump off the porch. If they are baby snakes, where is the momma?
5,868,554
What do I tell the clients --- I will be right back, have to change some of my clothes! That would be QUITE scary!
613,494
Yes, I tell them to stand back while I clear the path...
My kids would bring snake eggs home to hatch and we always had snakes for pets and even outdoor snakes would occasionally come inside the house on accident
Snakes fear us more.
Eve
368,326
55,251
I once had a rattlesnake protecting the front walk way as we were trying to get in to meet up with the home inspector
We just waited for the snake to move along........ they still bought the house. It's Texas and the snakes convey.
417,221
4,572,183
Warren -- of course, tell them -- I have had people get freaked out by domesticated animals in the house(dogs/cats/birds).
474,492
It would depend if I had the key to the door in my hand. If I did, I would open the door and tell them to hustle in. If the key was still in the lockbox, I would tell them and give them the option to step back while I retrieved the key.
5,772,575
Warren,
They are harmless garter snakes, and yes I would tell them. Sorry that the client got scared, obviously this is not the house for them. A
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No, not poisonous.....just a couple of Garter snakes. Harmless, but it scared the client not into buying the home. It's like they were guarding the entrance. It was hot and they came from under the siding. I told the owner and he very non-chalantly said.."yeah..I know, I seem them alot"
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Chief Cook has had bats overhead but never snakes....She wouldn't have to tell the clients because she would have either run off screaming or would have jumped on them to get out of there.....LOL!
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1,153,794
I have to tell them, especially if they're from anywhere North of the Mason-Dixon Line. I don't believe I could hold two grown adults on my shoulders like I did with the kids Warren Damiano.
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