Ok, A Realtor Calls You To Make A Showing Appointment, Now What?

"Hello, this is Jessica Billings from Apex Realty and I'd like to show your home to my clients later today, would 6pm work for you?"  You respond "yes that will work great, thank you for showing".

Tips for a good showing, and you're not even there when it happens!

• Always leave the home prior to and during showings.  This showing is not about you, it's about the home, the one you're leaving for whatever reason.  We use lock boxes for your safety.
  
• When you leave, if you have animals, take them with you.  Nothing stops a buyer in their tracks and distracts them more than a barking dog, either in a kennel or running around in the back yard.  I love pets, but let the buyer focus on your home, not your dog.
• You have been prepared for showings, meaning you know that your home should be in show condition at all times.  If you need the afternoon to clean the house, you need to postpone that showing until you have your home in great shape. 
  
• Buyers decide if they want to look any further  within 10 seconds of driving up to the property (curb appeal baby), and within about 30 seconds once they step through the front door.  Presentation is like a well rehearsed stage show, give the audience what it wants and they'll beg for more!
• Open the drapes (your windows are clean) and let the light shine in.  Lighting is great, various kinds are a good mixer.  Please no burnt out bulbs.  And while I love the compact flourescents, make sure that they fit the fixture you are using them in so they don't look mismatched.
• The use of soft music, very light in volume can be a nice accent as well as a hint of a nice smell.  Never overpower with any perfume type candles or plug in scents, people think you're trying to cover something up.  If you have time you can bake some bread or cookies a few hours ahead of time.  I will do this during open houses sometimes, just feels homey.
• Make sure the sprinklers are not on during a showing. 
  
• If the weather is wet or snowy, make sure the visitors have an entry rug so that they can remove their shoes easily.  Snow removal is a must for your entry and driveway. 
  
• If the Realtor is still present and showing, don't return to the home until they are finished.
• If a Realtor asks you questions when they phone about your selling price position, or anything else personal or prying, kindly ask them to call your listing agent for further details (this is inappropriate).
• Don't expect feedback on the showing from the buyers Realtor unless they have more interest.  Believe me, if they want to bring an offer, you'll hear about it. 
  
• Realtor feedback can be constructive or nonsense, sometimes it's hard to know the difference, if their buyer is not interested in your home.
• I may have left something out, but these tips can help sell your home, good luck!