Be Available!
Your house should always be available to show even if it may occasionally
be inconvenient for you! Let your listing agent put a lockbox in a convenient
place to make it easier for fellow realtors to show. When a buyer is ready,
they need to look. Most agents and buyers will skip your home to show if there
are difficulties assuming that these difficulties will also continue into the
purchase contract! You can request that an agent gives you a couple hours notice
before showing your property. If you refuse to let them show it at that time,
they will just skip your house. You do not want to loose your chance to sell your home!
Are You At Home?
Most homebuyers
feel like an intruder if you are home! They will not be as receptive to
looking around and browsing your beautiful amenities. Go out for a Starbucks
or run an errand while your home is being shown. If you absolutely cannot
leave, try to remain out of the way and do not move from room to room. Do not
volunteer any information as again, this will cause the buyer to feel like an
intruder and not be comfortable summary="table" to view your home!
Lighting?
Turn on ALL the
indoor & outdoor lights even if it is daylight! At night, a lit house
gives a "homey" appearance when viewed from the street. During the daytime,
turning the lights prevents harsh shadows from sunlight and brightens any dim
areas. A homey and cheerful impression welcomes a potential buyer!
Fragrances?
Sprays can be offensive and sometimes even allergic! Avoid using a room freshener before a
showing. If you feel you need a soothing smell, try a drop of vanilla on a
stove burner. This will give a "homey cooking" fragrance!
Pet Control?
You don't want
Rover running out to bite or frighten a potential buyer! Let your agent know
that you have a pet so they can put appropriate instructions in the MLS.
(Rover doesn't appreciate an intruder either!) It is best to keep pets in a
penned area during the showings to allow the buyer to view all areas of the
home without being afraid of letting the dog or cat out! You may also wish to
take the pet with you when you leave for the showing.
Kitchen Trash?
You want to send a
positive image about every aspect of your home! Kitchen trash is not a
positive image! Though you may go through more plastic bags than usual, take
the trash with you EVERY TIME someone comes to see your home, even if it is
kept under the sink!
Neat & Tidy?
It is time to look
like a model home! Though we don't all make our bed every day, when it comes
to selling, it is recommended to develop this habit! Pick up papers, do not
leave empty glasses in the sink, keep everything freshly dusted &
vacuumed. Yes, it looks like no one lives here, but this is the welcoming,
clean & fresh appearance that everyone is looking to see!