As a motivated seller, you want to do everything you can to ensure your home sells quickly. But sometimes being too involved in the process can spoil a sale. You might think it’s a good idea to stick around for every house showing so you can point out your homes best features But your presence at a home tour may actually make buyers feel uneasy and prevent them from envisioning themselves in your home.
Other common house showing faux pas includes leaving your pets behind and keeping the thermostat set too high. Read on to make sure you’re not making mistakes while prepping for house showings that will cause your home to sit on the market.
What is a house showing?
A house showing is a private home tour that buyers schedule in advance so they can get a better feel for your home. Many people prefer private showings because they can schedule them at a convenient time and tour your property undisturbed by other buyers. This allows them to take a closer look at areas of your home they couldn’t access during a busy open house, such as your walk-up attic.
Vacating your property every time a buyer wants a home tour can be inconvenient. But private showings are an essential part of the selling process because they allow buyers to bond with your home, which usually isn’t possible when there’s lots of people around. I as the listing agent will accompany all showings to be available to answer any questions the potential buyers and their agent may have and to talk through the features and benefits of your property.
Public open houses also tend to attract window shoppers, whereas private home tours appeal to more serious buyers. Some real estate agents even believe that private showings are more important than open houses if you want to get your home sold quickly.
Although a private house tour is for just one buyer instead of many, you should still prepare for home tours with the same level of care as you would an open house. Here are some tips to help you get your home ready for a showing so it looks its best.
How to Prepare for a House Showing
Deep Clean Everything
First impressions are everything when you’re trying to sell a home. If the first thing potential buyers see when they walk through the door is dirt and dust bunnies, they may take your house off their list.
Buyers usually open closets, cabinets, and drawers, so make sure you deep clean all the nooks and crannies of your home, not just visible areas. It can help to have a friend over the day before a showing to identify any clutter or messes you might have missed.
Tidy Up the Exterior
While it’s important to get the interior of your home in tip-top shape, don’t forget about the exterior and outbuildings.
Buyers will probably walk through your backyard, so scoop up any pet droppings that may be hiding in the grass. Make sure the garage is clean and accessible so buyers can get a true sense of the space. Curb appeal is also important, so mow the lawn and trim back any hedges and trees that are blocking the view of your home from the road.
Relocate Pets
You think your pets are cute and well-behaved, but buyers may not agree. Some people are allergic to cats or scared of dogs, so relocate your pets before the showing to make buyers feel more comfortable in your home. Even smaller pets like birds, guinea pigs, and lizards should ideally be moved. Remember to put smelly accessories like litter boxes and dog beds outside as well. If you are unable to move your pets (such as a cat or bird), let me know and I will prepare the appropriate signage to inform the potential buyers.
Move Your Cars
No one likes having to park their car far away from their destination, especially on cold, windy days. If you have multiple vehicles, move them out of the driveway before the house showing so the buyer and their agent have enough space to park.
Adjust Temperature and Lighting and music (where applicable)
Your home’s temperature, lighting and sounds help set the mood for a house showing, so it’s important to get them right. If your home is too hot, cold, or dark, it may turn off potential buyers.
Experts say that the best temperature in winter is 72 so buyers can feel the warmth emanating from your home as soon as they walk in. On hot days, set the thermostat to 69 so buyers can tell your air conditioning is in good shape.
Don’t be shy when it comes to turning on lights before a home showing. You should flip on all the recessed lights and lamps in your home so it appears bright and welcoming even on overcast days.
If you have surround sound in your home, please leave soothing music on, there is a sense of welcoming when walking into a home that has music playing.
Leave Behind a Flyer For Your Home Tour
Buyers may have questions about your home that their real estate agent can’t answer, such as how high the heating bill is in winter. We will discuss and I will leave out a packet with important facts about the home, such as monthly utility costs and recent upgrades and repairs, and details of the home.
It’s also a good idea that I include details about the neighborhood and nearby amenities for buyers who aren’t familiar with the area. Making this information easily accessible could lead to a faster offer and less back-and-forth with your agent.
Be Flexible About Scheduling Your House Tour
Although it can be difficult to rearrange your schedule for house showings, try to be flexible and accept as many appointments as you can. The more people who involved in your house tour, the quicker it will sell, so keep that in mind before declining showings. If there’s no way to make the requested time work, suggest another date when the buyer can come and see your home in person.
Do I Have to Leave My House for a Home Tour Showing?
If you’re motivated to get your home sold, you should leave before house tours. Buyers may feel uncomfortable exploring your home and opening all the closets and drawers if you’re still around. They may also feel like they’re intruding and cut the home tour short to avoid inconveniencing you. This may prevent them from getting a good enough look at your home.
Most buyers spend at least 45 minutes in the homes that they eventually purchase. So you want to make sure you’re giving them a chance to linger in each room and envision themselves living in your home. The best way to do that is by leaving and giving buyers the space they need to figure out if your home could be the one.
What As A Virtual House Tour?
A virtual house tour can serve the same purpose of an in-person house showing and provide contact with even more potential homebuyers. Even as Covid-19 wanes, people may feel more comfortable conducting a house tour online, or they may not be able to make it in-person because they’re moving to the area in the near future or because of a scheduling conflict. That said, home sellers should make sure their home looks as beautiful online as it does in person, investing in a Realtor with video production experience.