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uptowngirl
uptowngirl

Off with those shoes

Just read an interesting report in the NYT that sellers in NYC are insisting prospective buyers take off their shoes when they come to open houses. This request is evoking mixed reactions.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/10/nyregion/10appraisal.html?_r=1&nl=nyregion&emc=ura3

At our apartment in NYC, my husband insists that guests take off their shoes in our hallway (even we take off our shoes) so that they don't bring the filth of the NY streets indoors. Do any of you do the same?
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BroadwayBK
BroadwayBK 2yrs+
I actually went to look at a room in a three bedroom and the guy who was showing me the place made me take off my shoes before going in. Even if the apartment hadn't been completely claustrophobic even by NYC standards , I wouldn't want to live with roommates who were that anal. The guy left his shoes on a rack in the stairwell outside his apartment!

I can understand why it's a staple in some cultures to not wear shoes in homes - it does keep things clean, after all - but I don't want to be wandering in a foreign space, such as an open house or someone else's apartment, barefoot. No thanks.
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Uraniumfish
Uraniumfish 2yrs+
Well, I grew up pretty much barefoot (in Florida, beach kid) and it's been a lifelong habit of mine to walk around barefoot at home. By necessity I have to practice some form of shoe policy at home for the sake of hygiene. However, I can understand that if you have roommates that can be quite an anal imposition. But even without roommates, I would only require the shoes come off for someone who is a close friend and frequent visitor. For rare or one-time visitors, I would consider it a formal occasion, equivalent to taking out my best china, and not impose shoe restrictions on them.
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Uraniumfish
Uraniumfish 2yrs+
Yeah, and if you're trying to sell an apartment? A little much, no?
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uptowngirl
uptowngirl 2yrs+
@Uraniumfish aha!! we are not the only anal ones then.. actually in many parts of Asia those shoe-racks outside the home are a common sight. We dont have one but we have placed a chair in the alcove of our entry way so that folks can actually sit to put on their shoes/boots when they leave.
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Uraniumfish
Uraniumfish 2yrs+
@uptowngirl See, the chair is a nice touch. That makes a big difference.
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NeverSleeps
NeverSleeps 2yrs+
@Uraniumfish I thought the same exact thing when I read uptowngirl's bit about the chair. Okay, I'll take off my shoes for you since you brought me this chair to do it in.
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ajadedidealist
ajadedidealist 2yrs+
Not sure how to feel on this one. On the one hand, it's pretty crazy and anal - on the other hand, think of how much cleaning needs to happen on the part of the owners - and the risk to the resale value - if floors get scuffed or muddied with a stream of visitors. It doesn't make financial sense to risk marring an "asset" like hardwood floors.
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JenMac
JenMac 2yrs+
I'm 50/50 on this one too. Yes, it does keep the filth out. But, don't we kind of need a little filth for our immune system? It reminds me of that lady that won't shake your hand because she just washed them and is about to pick up her baby. Lady, that baby is gonna get so sick if you don't let germs anywhere near her.. . .
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