Sellers Offering A Home Tour, Do You Recommend It?

I get asked this question often, and I do not have a "one answer fits all response". It all depends on the situation.  Let me share my experience of a home tour that was a complete surprise for our buyers and ourselves, just a few weeks ago.  We were showing properties in a very exclusive and desirable area where there are not a lot of homes are for sale.  This home, in particular, was a bit overpriced and had been on the market for a while.  The appointment was scheduled as normal, but when I knocked on the door I was greeted by a beautiful redhead that was full of enthusiasm and energy, to say the least.  She followed by rolling out the red carpet and escorting us to her back yard (deck area with AMAZING views) as she served margaritas, appetizers, and a detailed conversation pertaining to the history of the home.  

We managed to break away, to preview the home, and the seller stuck to our side describing all the details of the upgrades that were made to the property.  The buyers knew to keep all comments for our private overview at the end, but honestly the seller did a great job by answering a lot of questions that our buyers asked throughout the tour.  

I would not have changed one thing about the seller trying to sell her home, except for the part of her not mentioning that her husband was inside the home (he did not greet us at the door).  As I decided to drift a bit from the tour I took a look in the powder room and there I discovered and older gentleman getting dressed in white tight underwear (yes, I lightly screamed, apologized and moved on). 

The bottom line, not all sellers are equipped to sell homes and that is why, as agents, we get paid to connect with the selling agents to inform and motivate the buyer.  If it is a home with history or details that are important, I will offer to be present during the home tour for my sellers.