You know, I am still surprised every time that I hear this question, and it comes up about 10% of the time during the listing process. Usually it is brought up by the seller because they had listed it for sale by owner first prior to calling me. And that is okay....but understand that despite the showings and fabulous feedback that you received during that time, you had no offers. Why? Because potential buyers are afraid to show you their motivations and they do not want to upset or offend you. After all, it is your personal home and by your loving tour, you obviously think this is the perfect home!
Why do you need to leave for all showings?
Well, there are probably lots of reasons here, but I am going to give you 5 reasons why it is necessary for you to not be present during showings on your home.
1. You make the buyers feel uncomfortable. The buyers are viewing the home with their agent. They want to be able to ask questions and make comments about the home without worrying about offending you or giving you their motivations in buying.
2. You give away your negotiating position. I know that your job is relocating you to another city. There is relocation disclosures on the MLS and the buyer's agent knows it too. Giving the buyer too much information about your move will cause them to perceive your timeframe is desperate. Automatic lower offer.
3. Pets can be a distraction. Your pets are a part of your family. And they are quiet and friendly when you are there. But when left alone with strangers, pets become territorial and buyers are not likely to stay long in your home. Some buyers are allergic as well, so it is best to remove the pet and signs of a pet whenever possible.
4. Pointing out your upgrades may just add one more thing they will need to change to meet their needs/tastes. I know that you picked out that wallpaper and custom ordered it. I know that you love it. But don't draw attention to the things that personalize your home. These items are the things that buyers often use to dixcount a home or exclude it from their short list. If you are not there to point it out, they may overlook it entirely....and sometimes that is okay.
5. You cannot handle the truth or you get your hopes up when they give buying signals. Buyers will sometimes as questions about things that they read in the seller property disclosure. If there needs to be clarification, the buyers' agent will call me to inquire. Coming from the horse's mouth may cost you a sale. Also, buyers are hesitant to give their real opinions because they have been told to keep mum about how much they like a home. All those HGTV shows give them that strategy. Just because they ask if the washer and dryer stay with the home, it does not mean that they are going to make an offer! They may just be comparing the appliances included with other homes that they are considering.
I understand that getting your home ready for showings can be frustrating and it can be stressful, especially when they are running late or early for their appointments. Being flexible and understanding goes a long way in getting your home sold quickly. Letting in the buyers at their convenience rather than yours can cause some friction but the buyers don't need to know that. Please let your home sell itself. We have done all the right preparation, we have set the stage, we have postitioned your home in the price market so that it is one of the best in the price range....so let the buyer's agent show them all that your home has to offer and let the buyers jump up and down and figure out where the Christmas tree will go next year. They can't do any of that with you there!
Call me for your free listing consultation and let me show you how to sell your home quickly in this market by reaching the right buyers for the right price!
Keep smiling!
Karen
Comments(3)