How You Can Help the Showing Process

Don’t Attend the Showings or Open Houses
Your presence at a showing is not advised. It’s awkward for buyers to open you cabinets and your closets. They are apprehensive to have discussions with their agent or each other. If buyers don’t feel comfortable viewing your house, they will have a difficult time seeing themselves living there. It also prohibits your agent from getting candid reactions that could aid him/her for future showings.

If you must be home during a showing, you should try to stay outside if possible, or stay in one location. Do not join the agent and buyers for the showing.

Be Ready to Show at All Times
It is a common expectation among realtors to request next day showings. However, same-day and last-minute requests for showings come up. If you are able to be flexible, more showings are possible. If your house gets a reputation as difficult to show by agents, agents may bypass your house if there are others to show.

Communication is key with your agent. If you have special showing requirements such as a baby’s nap time or housekeeper schedule, make sure your realtor knows so he/she can schedule showings around those times. If you have issues come up, such as you are home ill from work or your washing machine overflowed, call your agent right away.

Keep it Flexible
Most agents and buyers try to be prompt for scheduled showing times, but sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Traffic can be an issue, or the prior showing took longer than expected. Occasionally things come up too late in the plan to be fixed by a phone call. You’re better off staying out a little longer than the scheduled time frame to make sure you don’t interrupt a showing.

Showing Property with Tenants
If you have tenants, communication is key. Considering tenants schedules and letting them know what they can expect throughout the process will go a long way in the selling process. Difficult tenants can prevent a sale. There is no real benefit to the tenant and they may feel inconvenienced. You might even consider getting them an appreciation gift. Perhaps give a gift card to the corner coffee shop so they will have a place to pop out during the showings.

Your Agents Presence
Your agent may not always be available to show your property, but an agent from his/her firm will be present for all showings. If you require the listing agent to be personally present for all showings, your house can develop a reputation as being difficult to show.

Pet Politeness
You may have the nicest pet in the world, but some people are afraid of animals. A loud bark when approaching the house can make some homebuyers not want to go in.

If your agent speaks with you about pet odors, it’s not to pass judgment about the cleanliness of your house. The goal is to make your house as appealing as possible to prospective buyers.