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How to have a successful home showing
So you have your first showing appointment scheduled with a potential buyer…. There are a few things a home seller can do to have a successful showing.
#1 Always be available to show the home, even though it may be inconvenient
Being open and flexible on showing times is attractive to buyers and their agent. With so many homes on the market, if your home has a strict showing schedule it will be overlooked. Allowing your real estate agent to install a lock box will help make it easier for other agents to show your home to homebuyers. On occasion an agent may call for an urgent showing; however it is more likely that the agent will give a few hours’ notice prior to showing the property. This will allow you time to organize the home and possibly rearrange your schedule to help accommodate their request.
#2 You should not be home during showings
If you are home during a showing the homebuyer they may feel pressured or worse, like an intruder. By not being home during a showing you allow the buyer the opportunity to form their own opinion on the home, which can help them picture living in the home. Take a walk, visit the local coffee shop or drive or take the kids to the park. Trust that your real estate agent will be doing the job you hired them for, representing your home in the best possible light.
#3 Keep the house clean and tidy at all times
This is one of the hardest things to keep up with when selling your home. To understand why this is important refer back to reason #1. Keeping your house clean and tidy at all times opens up a greater opportunity for buyers to schedule showings. Not everyone makes their bed every day but this is a must when selling a home. Organize all mail and paperwork. Keep sink clean of dirty dishes. One suggestion is to keep a clear plastic container handy to store items temporarily that can be taken back out once the showing is complete.
Setting the mood for buyers
Lighting – When you know someone is coming by to view your home go around the home and turn on all lights before you leave for the showing. Having the home already lit up when walking in creates a homey feeling. The home also looks great from the street when the buyers can see light peeking through the windows.
Smells and Fragrances – Don’t overwhelm your guests with fragrant candles and sprays. Many people find fragrances offensive and some may even be allergic to the scent. You want to create a neutral smell in the home by keeping the home clean. Run the garbage disposal with a piece of lemon.
Pets – Your best bet is to take the pet out of the home during a showing. Take your dog for a walk or bring your cat in the car with you for a drive around the neighborhood. If removing the pet is impossible the second best option would be to cage the pet or leave the pet in a penned area in the backyard. Keep indoor cats in a specific room. There would be nothing worse than having your pet wonder out the door during a showing. Ask your real estate agent to leave a notice with any showing agents when the pet is going to be home.
Kitchen Mess – Throw out your trash every time there is a showing, especially if your trash can does not have a lid. You may go through more plastic bags then usual but the buyer’s nose will thank you. Try and keep the sink clean of dirty dishes and countertops free of debris.
Open Houses
Holding an open house when your home first comes on the market can be very helpful in creating a buzz for your home; however it may not help sell your home. Many people visit open house simply because they followed an open house sign. Many are not even serious buyers. An open house does help get the word out to your neighborhood that your home is for sale, which will help increase word of mouth advertising.
