Seller FAQ: Can I Be Present During Showings?

A frequently asked question by many of my sellers is, "Can I Be Present During Showings?". Absolutely, it is your home and you can do whatever you wish. However, WHY would you want to be present when prospective buyers are getting up-close-and-personal with your property? Below are my top 3 reasons why sellers should NOT be present when their home is being shown.

  1. Seller FAQ: Can I Be Present During Showings?You will say too much. The buyers agent is savvy and will pickup on key things you mention which could cost you plenty of $$$ once negotiations start. Also, what may be an innocent statement might be taken in a completely different light by buyers.
  2. It is personal and your feelings may get hurt. What if the buyers dislike the mural you painstakenly painted in little Sally's room? Can you handle hearing your decor is not liked? What if you are told the home has a "funny" smell? If you get defensive the mood changes and buyers will be ready to leave.
  3. Simply put...It is awkward. Buyers need time to check out every nook-and-cranny, talk through what they are seeing, and imagine their family and possessions in the home. With the seller (YOU) tagging along, they may feel rushed or pressured, and will not take the time to see all the home has to offer.

No one knows your home as well as you do, so if you communicate to your Realtor everything you want buyers to know about your house, he/she can put together a packet of information that can be left for potential buyers. This is a good way to show off, point out, or bring tidbits to prospective buyers attention without running into any of the 3 pitfalls above.

Providing sellers with smart real estate advice is one of the many reasons to employ the services of a well qualified Warner Robins Real Estate Professional!

As always, Houston County GA real estate information is brought to you as a courtesy by Anita Clark, your Warner Robins Real Estate Consultant.

When you are ready to sell your Warner Robins home, call me at (478) 960-8055.

 

Anita Clark Realtor LLC

Coldwell Banker SSK Realtors

470 S Houston Lake Rd

Warner Robins, GA 31088

(478) 960-8055

anita@cbssk.com

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98 Comments on Seller FAQ: Can I Be Present During Showings?

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

MAY
31
2012
963,380 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Are you sure Kay?  LOL  Thanks for the comments. ;-)
4:48pm • #79
492,851 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Sometimes the sellers can be too excited and turn the buyers off.
7:58pm • #80
900,041 Points 51 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Jon's comment should be enough for any seller to get the picture. But like everything else in life... The "it won't happen to me" thing kicks in.
9:29pm • #81
JUN
01
2012
963,380 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

That is very true Morgan.  Best to not be present at all.

Joni...sad but true.  Have a wonderful weekend.
3:07am • #82
JUN
03
2012
184,474 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Anita - Great Post! I've noticed buyers are completely uncomfortable when sellers are home during showings. They tend to hurry out of the house and not pay attention to details. I've even had a few buyers request a second showing when the sellers are not at home.
10:23am • #83
963,380 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Carla...the overwhelming majority of us think the same thing. 
2:00pm • #84
JUN
04
2012
118,904 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Anita - as a listing agent I totally agree and warn my clients, not to be at the property during the showing.  You never know what "innocent" question , might be asked that I'll have to address in negotiations. As a sometimes buyer's agent, I'm cautious but intrigued when a seller is home. Sometimes my clients will ignore, but may ask a question out loud like " I wonder what this is" and before I can answer, the owner steps in and gives an explanation and the two become "buddies" I step back and listen for clues. All in all, I like you advise all sellers to leave have a cup of coffee at the local coffee house and come back an hour later.  You have nothing to lose, and possible a sale to gain.
4:23am • #85
963,380 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

So very true Kimberly, and as an astute Realtor when representing buyers, you bridge the gap and listen intently for signs that can help your clients. 
4:35am • #86
JUN
07
2012
193,492 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Congrats on the feature...I love this and reposted it on Google Plus.
6:53am • #87
963,380 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks so much for reposting this Lynda...the more that see this type of information the better.
6:59am • #88
JUN
11
2012
452,711 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Great post! I have had a couple who didnt want to leave when their home was being shown. It really makes people uncomfortable..
4:30am • #89
963,380 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You are so right Scott.  No reason to stay unless there are health issues that can't be worked around.
2:24pm • #90
238,783 Points Called Shot Master

A more awkward situation would be when they find the seller present but dead, has happened several times.
3:46pm • #91
905,168 Points 10 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Anita, you are likely to get some more comments after a re-blog!

Well deserved feature - and for sure, great explanation on why they should stay away from the scene of real action that could result in an offer for their home!
8:52pm • #92
JUN
12
2012
963,380 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Pete...that's a deal killer (no pun intended).

Praful...Thanks Praful.  It's an interesting topic that most of us have been through.  The comments have been great.
2:40am • #93
921,660 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Excellent post, Anita, Congrats on the feature.
4:57am • #94
NOV
02
820,750 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I remind sellers this is part of what they are paying me to do!
12:13am • #95
963,380 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks Toni...it still holds true, don't let your sellers be present for showings!

Hopefully they listen Michelle. ;-)
2:27am • #96
238,620 Points 5 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

This is a smart list. Everyone is more at ease without the Seller there.
7:37pm • #97
963,380 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Tigard...The odds are stacked against the seller if they stay.  Always best to leave, even if it is just a stroll around the block.
7:45pm • #98

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Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA | Warner Robins Real Estate Agent, Anita Clark Realtor® (ColdwellBanker SSK Realtors ~ 478.960.8055) Rainmaker_large

Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA | Warner Robins Real Estate Agent

Anita Clark Realtor®

Warner Robins, GA

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ColdwellBanker SSK Realtors ~ 478.960.8055

Address: 470 S. Houston Lake Road, Warner Robins, GA, 31088

Office Phone: (478) 953-8595 x 227

Cell Phone: (478) 960-8055

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Warner Robins Georgia 31088


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