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Making the Case for a Seller to EXIT the Property when a Potential Buyer Arrives!

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Real Estate Agent with (Metro First Realty)

Making the Case for a Seller to EXIT the Property when a Potential Buyer Arrives!

Sometimes we come across a Seller who insists on being at the property when the house is being shown to a potential buyer. Mr. Seller or Mrs. Seller, this is never a good option. While you may think you have a good reason, it is very rare that you will gain any points on your home from a buyer should you decide to stay. The only exceptions to this would be if you are somehow incapacitated with health issues and typically a buyer will understand.

Man holding up hand
So, here is me Making the Case for a Seller to EXIT the Property when a Potential Buyer Arrives!
 
1) Buyers want to view the property without the fear of offending the home owner.
2) They want to open kitchen cabinets to see how their dishes and small appliances will fit.
2) Buyers want to open closets to see how deep the closets are and if their clothes will have room.
3) Buyers want to freely converse with each other about the floor plan.
3) Buyers want to discuss how their furniture will fit in the room.
4) Buyers want to discuss how they will change out the current color of the living room. If you are there, they will NOT want to voice this out loud for fear of offending you.
5) Buyers want to discuss any concerns they may have about a particular feature of the home they may dislike but are willing to live with.
6) Buyers may want to talk to their Real Estate Professional about financing options. If you are present, they cannot discuss this in front of you.
7) Buyers may wish to sit in your living room to see what "living" there would feel like.
8) Buyers may come in and out of your home several times from the backyard, their children may rush into other parts of the house to claim their bedrooms. If you are there, they will not freely discover    your home.
9) Buyers want to feel at ease while viewing your property without feeling like they are being monitored.
10) Most importantly, what if, they decide to write an offer right then and there, at your kitchen table? Not going to happen if you are present.

Mr. or Mrs. Seller, if you are concerned about valuables being broken or stolen, pack them up and put them out of sight, your plans are to move
anyway. If you are concerned about your medications being pilfered, take them with you. If you are concerned about a pet, kennel them. This is a short window in time for you to be inconvenienced, isn't it worth it to move onto your next destination?

Buyers, like you, want to "shop" without being hovered over by a salesperson. I know you may "think" you won't hover, but by being present, you ARE HOVERING. The whole point of putting your home on the market is it sell it. By making a buyer feel at home, you are essentially welcoming an offer.  Your presence will keep everyone on alert that the home owner is there and everyone must act like a guest. I am not advocating or encouraging disrespectful behavior while you are away, but allowing a buyer to feel at ease while looking should be your main goal. You are, after all, wanting them to consider your home as theirs.
business deal
Making the Case for a Seller to EXIT the Property when a Potential Buyer Arrives! can be summed up with this one statement; Mi Casa es Su Casa-My house is Your House.
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Comments(5)

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Mark Delgado
houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove - Benicia, CA
Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h

I think I'm seeing the makings of a good series here with your posts offering good advice to sellers that I hope they do take.  Once again, we see similar situations in renting properties.

Nov 04, 2011 08:44 AM
Valerie Duncan Stewart
(Metro First Realty) - Oklahoma City, OK
Real Estate Agent-Broker, OKC, OK

Hi Mark, thanks for the suggestion. Hadn't thought to do a series. Hmmmm......

Nov 04, 2011 11:40 AM
Sharon Paxson
Sharon Paxson, RealtorĀ® EQTY Forbes Global Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Real Estate

Hi Valerie - great point! I took buyers to a home last night, the owner was there, and it does prevent the buyer from previewing the home.

Nov 08, 2011 02:52 AM
Valerie Duncan Stewart
(Metro First Realty) - Oklahoma City, OK
Real Estate Agent-Broker, OKC, OK

Sharon, hopefully that didn't deter the buyers from giving the house a chance!

Nov 14, 2011 09:56 AM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

I like your term EXIT.  It is a good word and I enjoy using it a lot... :)  Haven't heard from you in awhile hope all is well later..

Dec 10, 2011 11:31 PM