If your house is on the market, you are likely hoping it will generate lots of interest and produce quick and reasonable offers. This all begins with a showing. As tedious and disruptive as it may seem, opening your home to prospective buyers can be the turning point in your journey to sell, so you want to take every opportunity to provide a welcoming environment for potential buyers.
Looking at pictures online or viewing virtual tours is a good start, but there is nothing like walking through a home that has sparked one’s interest. House hunters often get an immediate feel for whether they will be comfortable in your home or if they should keep looking. You might be curious about what buyers think about your home, but steering clear of a showing or open house is rule number one for increasing the chances that your home will make a good first impression.
Let your agent work
There are certain matters of etiquette that buyers appreciate when touring a home. The presence of the homeowner often makes buyers feel awkward. They might not feel at liberty to really study the home or discuss those features they like or would change. Perhaps more importantly, it is difficult for a prospective buyer to get a feel for living in the home when the current owner is present. Therefore, it is always best to plan to be away from home during any scheduled tours.
You probably have certain features you want to be sure to point out to potential buyers, but that is what your real estate agent is for. You can rely on your agent’s skill and experience to present the home in its most positive light. You can help by doing the following:
- Clean and declutter your home, and make sure it smells nice.
- Take your pet out of the home to allow visitors access to every room without worrying about your pet’s safety.
- Leave magazines or brochures about your neighborhood, special community events or interesting features about your home.
- Provide a thoughtful snack, such as cookies or other baked goods.
When you have done these things, step out of the way and let your agent do the rest. This will give house hunters enough space to absorb the good vibes of your home. You might be surprised how far these considerate gestures will go.