Sellers, I'm sorry Having your house on the market is gonna be a pain

"Sellers, I'm sorry.  Having your house on the market is gonna be a pain. I want to let you know some of the not so pleasant things you are going to possibly put up with when you have your home on the market."  Having strangers come through your home is not pleasant, convenient or fun. However, Sellers, if you want to get the most potential buyers through your home, and have the best chance of selling your home for top dollar in the shortest amount of time, I don't want to leave you with any illusions.

Things to expect when your home is on the market:

1. People are people, and just because someone has a real estate license doesn't mean that they are courteous. Lights will be left on, not everyone will leave a card, some people will track snow and mud through your home, and (ick) someone may use your master bath and not flush.
2. You may get a showing request from someone sitting out in front of your house or someone who may want to see it in an hour.
3. Someone may let your cat out.
4. You may see the same car drive past your house slowly at the same time of day for several days, giving you the creeps.
5. Feedback is not always going to be positive . . . or nice . . . or timely . . . or at all.
6. You will have to leave your house for showings
7. You do need to put your laundry in the hamper and not leave it on the floor -- yes, buyers will want to see your master bedroom, closet and bath and inside your cabinets and pantry.

There are other things that will happen, that I have not listed.  If you want to minimize the inconvenience, there are some things you can do.

1. Price it right.
2. Have it show ready most of the time
3. Let your agent know when you are having family events at your house, and if possible schedule them somewhere else
4. Keep your sidewalks cleared of snow and ice
5. Put out a large rug at the entry way so that there is space for at least 3 people to get in the door and take off their shoes during inclement weather
6. Put the cat in a carrier during showings
7. Wave at people who stare at your house, let them know you see them (it will give them the creeps back!)
8. Have a plan for showings -- where can you go when you don't have anywhere to go?
9. Have a plan for a quick pick up (I have never had a buyer look under a bed)

The quicker it sells, the less the inconvenience, and the faster you can move toward your next home. Remember, that the homes you are looking at have owners dealing with the same thing.