When you home is on the market, ideally, you’re not at home during showings so that prospects are comfortable looking in closets and talking freely with their agent as they tour.
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I apologize in advance if an agent leaves a rear or side door unlocked after a showing. Although this shouldn’t happen, it sometimes does because the agent is distracted with showing the property. It’s always a good idea to check all doors after a showing; if your home is vacant, I will make arrangements to periodically check on your home myself.
We will put agreed upon showing instructions in MLS for other agents. However, occasionally, we will get a last minute request that does not allow ample notice – and, although rare, it’s not inconceivable for an agent to simply show up and knock on your door. This can happen because an agent is giving a neighborhood tour to a client who asks to see your home while driving by. You always have the right to decline a showing, but we ask that you accommodate showing requests if at all possible. A buyer who likes the location and the exterior is likely a strong candidate.
Try to make sure that your home is always ready to be shown, even with little notice. Although this may be inconvenient, we never know when a showing is “the” buyer. We want to maximize the number of qualified, motivated buyers who see your home. This may be the difference in when you sell, for how much, and under what terms.
Checklist of things to do before showings:
- Please turn on all lights for showings. Agents may or may not turn the lights off.
- Be sure all trash cans have been emptied.
- Playing soft quiet background music is a nice added touch but not necessary.
- Open all doors between rooms to give an inviting feel.
- Floors should be clean and carpets vacuumed.
- Leave feature sheets in an easy to find spot (in the foyer, on the dining room table or bar area).
- Not everyone loves animals, and accordingly pets should be unseen if at all possible. Pet areas should be clean and odor-free. Ideally, pet food bowls and litter boxes are stored and out of sight during showings.
- Kitchens and bathrooms should be spotless.
- Pick up any clutter and make all beds.
- Open all drapes and shades during the day to let as much light in as possible, but screen out unappealing views.
- Hide all cash, small valuables, jewelry and prescription drugs.
- If possible open the windows beforehand to circulate fresh air.
Putting your home on the market can be overwhelming, so we’ve prepared this guide as an overview of what you can expect each step of the way when you list your home with Liz Moore & Associates.
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