Friday's Tip: Be Available
Buying a house isn't easy. Selling a house isn't easy. I know, you thought I'd try to convince you otherwise.
For buyers, the home search adds to an already busy schedule. Imagine taking everything you normally do in a week, and then looking at a couple houses, searching online, talking with your trusted Realtor about different properties, and more. Some buyers are lucky and they only look at one or two places before they know they've found the right one. Others look at five, even ten houses before making the decision.
That's a lot of time, a lot of dinners that got delayed, a lot of work that may have had to be missed. It's a big time commitment. And in the end, buyers get a house they want; a house they're going to love for a number of years.
Buyers, being available puts you in a very good position. When good properties at good prices come on the market, they get a lot of showings right away. As in, the day the listing goes live. So, say your Realtor finds a hot new home for sale in Barre that's exactly what you're looking for. You may get a call in the morning saying, "This is a hot one. Let's see it before anyone else does." That gives you the first opportunity at the best properties.
For sellers, the process may not be as time intensive, but it can be an incredible inconvenience. It's not uncommon for a house to be on the market without any showings for weeks, and then, suddenly, a Realtor calls and wants to show it the next afternoon. In a perfect world sellers would be able to keep their homes in showcase condition all the time, but it's just not possible.
It's emotionally challenging, selling a house.
But sellers have to be available. In this market, turning away a potential buyer is not a good idea. That buyer could be the last buyer you'll see with your house at the current price. It could be the last buyer you see for two months. If you're motivated to sell the house (and if it's for sale, that suggests you're motivated to sell your house), then it's in your best interest to take some inconvenience to accommodate a showing.
Is it during dinner time? Go out. During baby's nap time? Take junior for a drive. You have company? Stick everything back in suitcases and go see a movie. Most showings take about a half hour, and while most buyers are willing to adjust appointment times, some aren't. Don't miss out on them.
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