Getting Ready For Showings

First impressions are important, especially when it comes to buyers. While we understand you still might be living in your home while we are having showings, we ask you to do your best with the following tasks so your home shows the best for buyers.

LEAVE FOR SHOWINGS
When buyers tour your property, grant them the time and privacy to examine, discuss, and feel comfortable anywhere inside and outside your home. Plan to leave for an hour or two. If the buyers or their agent show up early or stay late, keep any conversation to a friendly hello and goodbye. Although you may feel comfortable answering a few questions, years of experience shows us your remarks can be misinterpreted. This can, and has, damaged our (and the sellers') posture in subsequent negotiations.

APPOINTMENTS
You will receive all appointment requests from a member of our team who will call, text, and/or email you in advance. You can accept, reject, or request a more convenient appointment time. Keep in mind that it's not unusual for the agent and/or buyers to arrive 15 minutes early or stay a 15 minutes longer than their appointment window. Rarely will buyers knock on your door and ask to see the property without an agent or appointment. If they do, politely direct them to the sign in your front yard to make an appointment with our office.

PETS
Because some people are allergic to pets, it's vital to eliminate pet odors and inform buyers in advance that pets are on the property. We will post a pet notice in the MLS and the Agent Showing Instructions. Even if buyers are not allergic, it's always best to take pets with you if you can during a tour, or at least safely secure them in a crate, laundry room, or walk-in closet.

TIDINESS
It's unlikely that any buyer will remember or seriously consider a dirty, messy, disorganized home. Put away the dishes, clean the countertops, and polish the stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. In the bathrooms, clean the toilet, tub, shower, sink, and floor. Polish the mirrors; close the toilet lid. Make the beds; put the clothes in drawers and closets. Get clutter such as newspapers, magazines, and scattered toys out of sight. Sweep, mop, and vacuum.

LIGHTING
Welcome potential buyers into your home with lights and lamps shining. Make sure windows are gleaming, and blinds and window coverings are open. This is especially true when buyers are touring your home in the afternoon or early evening. Proper lighting enhances your home's sense of comfort, assurance, and cheerfulness.

SCENTS
Any unpleasant odors can discourage buyers from thoroughly touring your home, or even not at all. Before a showing, add fresh scents to interior air. People tend to respond most frequently to the natural smells of florals, fresh fruit, or baking. Be selective with artificial air fresheners; some buyers are allergic to the chemical components. Others may be annoyed by excessive fragrances. Even a pleasant smell can annoy visitors when too much of it is in the air.

INSPECTIONS & APPRAISAL
Treat inspections and appraisals just like a showing. It is not uncommon for buyers to attend the inspection, while your home is under contract in many cases the buyer can still terminate without any recourse.

When it's time for your property to be appraised the appraiser will come inside your home and take pictures. They are assessing the value of your property. A clean property looks like a more expensive property.

RECAP

  • Do not speak directly to the buyer or their agent.

  • Do not be home for a showing.

  • Do not let a buyer into your property without an agent.

  • Do your best not to turn down showings, if buyers can't see your home, they can't make an offer on it.