What Should I Do During Showings?
Having the House Accessible Will Increase Showings
- Do not limit showing time or give complicated instructions for appointments. Appointments are made in advance and you will be given notice
- The house should be equipped with an electronic lock box so that agents have access to your home even when you are not available.
- It is OK for several agents to have appointments for the same time. It is customary protocol for agents to wait outside if an agent is in the house.
- Have pets confined to a prescribed area. Barking dogs and escaping cats are distractions during showings.
- Make sure that the key in the lockbox works well in the lock
Keep Track of Showings
- When you get home check the answering machine for messages
- Record name of agent, company, phone number and appointment time.
- Normal wording for an appointment might be
- “This is Jane A from ABC Realty. I would like to show your home tomorrow, Tuesday, between 2:00-3:00. I will assume it is alright unless I hear from you. My phone number is 222-9999. Thank you”
- When the agent shows the house they will leave a card or sign in on the sign in sheet.
- Occasionally an agent does not show up for an appointment and does not cancel. Your agent needs to be informed if this happens.
- Your agent also needs you to call and leave a message as to who has shown the house on at least an every other day scheduled.
Leave the Selling to the Professionals
- Try to be out of the home during showings or if this is not possible introduce yourself and then excuse yourself to the den, deck, or backyard.
- The Buyer may only be in the house several minutes. This is not uncommon for a first visit and it does not mean that they are not interested.
- Only answer questions that are material facts about the house. i.e. heat cost, age of roof, not about your motivations to sell.
Make the Buyers Feel Comfortable
- Keep distractions to a minimum. Keep cats, dogs and litter boxes out of the way and preferably out of the house.
- Have air conditioning/heat at a comfortable level.
- Have lights on and drapes open
- Eliminate objectionable odors
- Play soothing quiet music
- If you have a fireplace light it during winter showings
- Display fresh flowers and a bowl of candy by the sign in sheet
- Give the buyers space and time to spend time viewing your home
