Strange title for a real estate company specializing in land sales, but consider this; proper footwear is essential for a land showing. While looking at a house, one would walk from the car along a sidewalk to the home interior; any shoe would do. However, when looking at land, you are at the mercy of the elements. A good pair of shoes will help make the experience comfortable and enjoyable.
Imagine this scenario. A husband and wife make an appointment with the local broker to look at a tract of land with a view. It is mid morning, late June on a Saturday and the weather if absolutely beautiful with sunny skies and warm temperatures. The vehicles are parked and the trio set out for a modest walk to see the view. There is a rough trail that climbs a small hill, then dips down to a brook, climbs a bigger hill, round a corner to a prime building site with THE VIEW. The broker points out that a driveway can easily be constructed along their proposed route including a culvert to cross the stream.
Less than 100 yards from the vehicles, “Ouch”, the Better Half shouts while rubbing her foot, a broken FLIP FLOP beside her, “I just stubbed my toe on that root.”
“I don’t think I can make it the rest of the way.”
“Why don’t you go back to the car, and I will go with the broker, I’ll take some pictures.”
Hubby and the broker continue. The broker crosses the stream first.
Splash. “Damn” More splashing. There’s hubby one foot in the stream the other in a nearby mud hole. He finally makes it to the far bank. One SNEAKER sopping wet the other encrusted in mud.
“No grip on these shoes, must have slipped on that moss covered rock.”
Of course Mr. Macho will not let this deter him. “I’m OK, let’s move on.”
The pair–one squishing along–continue onward, climb the bigger hill, round the bend and “Oh my look at that view. I wish my wife could see this.”
“I’ll take some pictures”, as he fumbles for his camera, “Damn, I must have forgot it.”
Both head back to Mrs. and the vehicles. “Honey you should have seen that view, It’s just what we are looking for.”
Needless to say, no transaction took place. Both decision makers had a bad experience. More importantly both did not see the entire property and could not agree to purchase.
When looking at land bring a good pair of work boots or hiking boots; preferably a pair that has been “broken in”. The traditional Bean Boot with the rubber bottoms and leather tops is a good choice. Wear your regular, comfortable shoes on the ride over and change into your walking boots for the showing.
In the winter, warmth and snow need to be addressed. Insulated, waterproof pac-boots with a removable felt liner are the best. For deep snow bring your snowshoes, a good broker will have a loaner pair or two if you don’t own this specialty item. Bottom line is be prepared to walk in the woods and take the season into account.
Several years later Hubby drives by the property on a shortcut to work. There’s a driveway located nearly the route he and the broker took during the showing. He decides to check it out thinking “they won’t mind.”
He turns off the main road, climbs the short grade, drops down to the stream–which now crosses under a culvert, up the bigger hill, round the bend and there is a beautiful log cabin with a day-light basement overlooking that incredible view. He could hardly turn away, he was so inspired. Finally, he turned around and headed out muttering to himself “this could have been mine for a pair of boots”.