Do You Recommend Sellers Be Home During Showings? Gary Keller Does

You just made Keller's point.

If the sellers hadn't made that comment, you're buyers might have considered it at first and then found something better.

I love for sellers to be home.  Of course, I'm the buyer's agent.

Ruth Ann - I saw that too.  I was confused by what Gary actually said and what the other top brokers that were mentioned said.  The way the report was shown, Gary didn't actually say that, but the report makes it sound like he did.  Part of me is questioning that report.  Because in some of the subtext that I received from Keller Williams, it states, "Find out what 2 things Gary Keller says about selling homes in this market."  So, I don't really know if he said that or not.  Personally, I don't want my sellers present for showings.  They are more likely to put a foot in their own mouth.

I heard him say it, but I still totally disagree.  Sellers are too emotional and attached.

I don't think it is a good idea either the one time it could help would pale in comparison to the multiple times it would backfire. Homeowners don't know what they might say innocently that would result in losing a sale.

I have never had a problem with the sellers being there....but I do prefer they not follow us around the house. I think it helps us if we are going to write an offer. If there is one offer from someone they have met, then we get a much better chance.

I question if Gary Keller actually said that.  That flies in the face of practically ALL teachings on how to sell real estate, including his.  I maybe can see some merit in the listing agent being there, but again, I know from experience how uncomfortable most buyers get when ANYBODY else is there besides their agent, regardless of how "knowledgeable" they may be about the house.

"Nobody knows your house like you do."  That's what I'd be afraid of as the listing agent.  Nobody but the seller knows where little Boy Junior threw up when he ate too much candy that one time.  Nobody else knows how many times Fido peed on that floor over the years.  Nobody else knows that Daddy fixed the plumbing 15 times.  Or where Gramps passed away, or that the neighbor plays the bag pipes every evening in the summer.

Sellers tell some of the craziest things.  Most do NOT help the sale of the property.

Gary Keller didn't say that, the lady speaking on ABC did.

What are the arguments in favor of the seller being home during a showing versus the traditional wisdom?  There's usually too much emotion involved when sellers are present.

Hi Ruth Ann ~ It's odd - when you watch the tape they don't attribute that little nugget to any particular agent. I think it's absurd advice - but good to know it was out there on a major channel so we can steer our sellers straight. 

Liz

I for one have never understood the listing agents' instruction to seller to "pack the children and animals up and leave the house".  What a collossal inconvenience and for what??  Are they afraid that the seller will open their mouth???  Just advise them not to.

That said, the real reason for folks to leave their home when it's shown is to give the prospective buyers and their agents privacy and time to look carefully and feel comfortable in a home they're viewing. 

We, buyers and their buyers' agents are more apt to consider a home that the buyers can tour slowly and comment about without the seller standing there. 

We, buyers and their buyers' agents are more apt to consider a home that the buyers can tour slowly and comment about without the seller standing there.

Which is why, Lenn, the listing agents should request that the sellers, "pack the children and animals up and leave the house."  :-)

I have a seller that won't leave and every burers agent I've spoken to say it is a problem. Gues it just depends on the nature of the sellers.