Sellers all over the country cringe at the thought of cranberry sauce interruptions. Family in town, food on the table, luggage and coats spread all over the house only to get the short notice showing call. It is an unwanted aspect of holiday stress. Just because you are settled in for the week, doesn’t mean that prospective buyers aren’t traveling to your town to view your home.
Of course you can deny permission to show your home, but you could also be passing a valid contract directly on to your neighbor. Buyers who schedule showings during the holidays are often very serious and capable buyers. As inconvenient as it may be, it is imperative that you allow for those short notice showings.
Below are a few tips on how to contain the chaos of holiday showings;
1. Inform and warn your entire family- Most likely everyone already knows of your goal to sell your home; however, remind them that goal doesn’t get a vacation. Contain luggage, toys, shoes, etc..in one area that can easily be tidied up if the call comes.
2. Scale back if necessary- Although this may give many heart palpitations, it won’t be the end of the world if your 21 course meal is scaled down to a modest 10 course. Kitchens sell homes; don’t let yours become so overcrowded with the scent of sweet potato pie that a short notice showing throws you comfortably in the pit of despair.
3. Keep Handi-Wipes at the ready- Keep a container of Handi-Wipes in each room of the house. Poised and ready for a quick surface wipe down when needed. If children are in the house, give each child a room that they are responsible for should a call come!~ You may be surprised how serious they take such a huge responsibility!
4. Dirty Shoes, No Service!- No one has ever been denied Thanksgiving Day turkey by asking all guest to remove their well-traveled shoes at the door. Have a strict no- shoe policy. Keep extra cozy (even holiday themed) socks at the door. Your family will understand, if not, get a new family.
5. Clean as you go, best that you can- This is not the most fun portion of Thanksgiving and often requires back up. It is necessary and will make the shock of a short notice showing a little less painful.
6. We are Thankful for Our Family, Please Excuse Their Mess- I tell all of my sellers who have family visiting to make a sign or a card with a thankful apology. Should it be impossible to follow the rest of the tips, leave this plea along with some tasty treats and hope for the best.
It isn’t ideal, but it is important that you allow as many showings as possible during the marketing of your property. I promise the world isn’t against you. The Realtor has a family as well and most likely would rather be eating some sort of casserole than running out to show your home; however, it is their job. Your job is to do the best you can to make the most out of even the short notice showings during the holiday season.
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