Why 24 Hour Notice? ...For The Same Reason We Say Please & Thank You!
While I agree with Carol about both buyers and sellers needing advance notice it is possible and has happened often that I meet a client and "the list" they want to see changes at the last minute because buyers are learning about their like and dislikes as we go, if a seller requires an entire day of advance notice a buyer may not be available to see a property.
Common courtesy. Is it too much to ask for? Are we being fair in expecting homeowners who are trying to sell in this rather difficult market to be at every buyer's beckon call? I know that it's a buyers market, but that's all the more reason for sellers to expect a little courtesy. More and more sellers are having to sit weeks or months waiting for a sale. That's a long time to be "show ready" or "picture perfect" at every single hour of the day.
I know this because I currently have my own house on the market. I LIVE in it - my "home" ...not to be confused with a 24 hour diner.
Many Realtors might read this and shake their heads - go ahead and preach. Go ahead.
I believe the best Realtors are the ones who have had the personal life experience of buying and selling - this will be my fifth home sale. And, based on all my own previous experiences, I will never put pressure on my seller clients to show their homes on a moment's notice. If they can, great! If they can't, it's okay. I am probably one of the few agents who get it. I know what every seller goes through.
Easier said than done, it's important to be sensitive to what the seller experiences during the process of perfecting things and getting a home prepared for a showing. I will usually specify in the listing remarks that "ample notice" is appreciated. When 24 hours notice is preferred I will usually note that the seller will try to be flexible.
But, sellers are not the only ones wanting such courtesy.
Whenever I wear the hat of a buyer's agent, I always insist on advance notice. Yes, for ME - the agent. It's a must. See, I pride myself on being well organized and having a well thought out plan before starting my day. Ideally, I like to have everything mapped out a day ahead of time. Although I often find myself turning on a dime, I seldom make last minute appointments to show properties. See, when I don't have other real estate related activities already on my calender for a particular day ...well, I hesitate to say that I do have a life outside of real estate. So, it's very important that my clients respect that. I am always willing to try and juggle things, but only with some degree of advanced planning.
Advance notice ...it's only fair - to me and to the sellers.
Additionally, in this type of market with such a wide inventory of homes and in a community where relocation is now an exception rather than the rule, it is unheard of for a buyer to make spontaneous decisions. A buyer who wants to see a house today and can't will just try again the next time. With buyers of today sitting on the fence, there are many "next time outs." In fact, it's actually been a few years since I have encountered a buyer who demonstrated a real sense of urgency.
Really, ...don't sellers deserve to be able to let their guard down from time to time and actually LIVE in their homes? And, don't most Realtors these days work by appointment only?
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