Q: We've been having trouble with agents who are showing our house.

Even though we have a sign asking them to remove their shoes they and their clients often don't. They also leave lights on. What can we do to remedy this situation?

A: Some would say that in our down economy and slower real estate market you should simply be grateful you're getting showings. There are homes on the market that have had only one showing a month for over six months! However, I want to take your question seriously so let me explain things from the prospective of those of us showing property to prospective buyers.

The shoe issue comes up a lot. It's common here for people to remove their shoes before entering a home. That's unheard of in many other parts of the country. Many people feel very uncomfortable doing it and for some, it's very difficult. Except for the winter when they could be bringing in a lot of wet mud into a house, I try to cut them a little slack, although I always ask them to remove their shoes.

Buyers can show up in shoes that are difficult to untie or they wear special orthotic shoes and can't walk well without them. It's also hard to deal with children who may need help getting shoes off and on. Some homes provide booties for people to slip over their shoes but there's no guarantee that folks will use them.

I try to go back through a house and turn lights off, but sometimes a client will go back for a second look at a room and leave the lights on. It's also possible that the house is too dark. Most agents will go through a house ahead of their clients and turn lights on in dark rooms. You might consider leaving the lights on when you expect a showing. A dark house is almost always less desirable for most buyers. Just remember that a well priced, open and sunny home that welcomes potential buyers will sell, even in our current market.