They Had Food, Hand Wipes & A Trash Can – What Else Did The Agent Want?!

Less than 24 hours after putting a new listing on the market, a showing agent calls.  He didn’t have any questions or concerns.  So what did he want?

To compliment the home.  How fun right?!  While his Buyers looked around the home, he took the time to call just to let me know how well the home presented, how clean it was, and wanted to thank me for leaving a basket of water, chocolates and hand wipes!  (I always leave hand wipes for people – you never know when someone needs to clean up – or clean something up!)

Later that night, he calls again.  So what did he want?  To let me know he just emailed a full price offer on the home.

The best compliment you can ever get is from another agent.  And we know – buyer agents can get picky and critical at times!  When listing a home, it’s important to get all the details correct and the home ready to go – but don’t forget some of the small things that will go a long way to making buyers and their agent feel comfortable while viewing your home:

Make sure the house keys work.  All the keys – including storage and garage door keys.  If they don’t work or are “tricky” – don’t mess around – you can replace a whole lock set for under $20.  Just do it.

The home has to be clean – especially the kitchens and baths. 

Face the facts - folks will use the bathroom - even if you say "please don't". So leave hand wipes, toilet paper and a note asking them to make sure their flush completely and that the water shuts off.

Another fact – people will bring their kids to showings.  Because of that, I tend to leave a small chest of small toys that kids can entertain themselves with.  Can the kids have the toys?  Yes – I fill it with dollar store items and leave a note that indicates “feel free to keep it”.

Water, bite size snacks and a trash can.  The longer buyers stay in a home– the better. Set up an area with small bottled water, snacks, hand wipes and a trash can.  If folks have a place to put their trash – they will!

None of this stuff is expensive - it takes a little time, a little money and some effort to put a little extra care into listing a home to sell it!