Showing Your House to Home Buyers

Your house should always be available for show, even though it may occasionally be inconvenient for you. Talk with Doug about the entire "showing" process and what your role should be. It can get stressful at times. Let your listing agent put a lock box in a convenient place, to make it easy for other agents to show your home to home buyers.

Most agents will call and give at least a half days notice before showing your property. If you refuse to let them show it at any time, they might just skip your house. It's not good to turn down any showings.

No. Home buyers will feel like intruders if you are home when they visit, and they might not be as receptive toward viewing your home. They won't remember rooms if you are there. Visit the local coffee house, yogurt shop, take a walk, take a drive ......or take the kids to the local park. If you absolutely cannot leave, try to remain in an "out of the way" area of the house and do not move from room to room. Do not volunteer any information, but answer any questions the agent may ask.

Lighting

When you know someone is coming by to tour your home, turn on all the indoor lights  – even during the day. At night, a lighted house gives a "homey" impression when viewed from the street. During the daytime, turning on the lights prevents harsh shadows from sunlight and it brightens up any dim areas. Your house looks more homey and cheerful with the lights on.

Fragrances

Do not use scented sprays to prepare for visitors. It is too obvious and many people find the smells of those sprays offensive, not to mention that some may be allergic. If you want to have a pleasant aroma in your house, have a potpourri pot or something natural. Turn on a stove burner for a moment and put a drop of vanilla extract on it. It will smell like you have been cooking.

Pet Control

If you have pets, make sure your listing agent puts a notice with your listing in the multiple listing service. The last thing you want is to have your pet running out the front door and getting lost. If you know someone is coming, it would be best to try to take the pets with you while the home buyers tour your home. If you cannot do that, It is best to keep dogs in a penned area in the back yard. Try to keep indoor cats in a specific room when you expect visitors, and put a sign on the door. Most of the time, an indoor cat will hide when buyers come to view your property, but they may panic and try to escape. Talk to Doug about options.

The Kitchen Trash

Especially if your kitchen trash can does not have a lid, make sure you empty it every time someone comes to look at your home – even if your trash can is kept under the kitchen sink. Remember that you want to send a positive image about every aspect of your home. Kitchen trash does not send a positive message. You may go through more plastic bags than usual, but it will be worth it.

Refer to Selling Tips