Showing Your Home

by Laura Jacobus

The time it takes to prepare for sale is all worth the effort when your agent calls you with a "showing"!

If your home is properly marketed, and fairly priced, you should start to get multiple agents calling you or your agent for showings. It is important to realize at the time of the listing, who will be handling the calls? Do you want to handle the calls or can you leave it up to your agent? That depends on your situation at home. Many factors can influence your showings.

BUYER TURN OFFS:

PETS
Is there pets to be concerned with? Pets are the major reason that homes cannot be shown. Dogs are natural property protectors and your liability may be at risk if you are leaving your dog loose in the house. Even the friendliest dog, can be upset by surprise visitors or small children. Be sure to have your dog secured in a locked area or staying with a friend during your showing. If you need to make arrangements the day of the showing, you may loose the chance to show to that buyer for good. Agents try to schedule appointments, but sometime a buyer will throw a curve ball from the agents car and ask to see your home immediately. Try to be ready for those surprise visits. Any one can be your potential offer!

TENANTS
Although tenants can be income producers for you, they can be a hindrance in your sale. Most tenants are quite happy with their situation, and not really as eager to see the house sell as you are. Even the best tenants can be quite snooty about people coming through their belongings. If there is anyway to have the tenants prepare to leave the premises before you list, make those arrangements now. Most states require landlords give tenants 60 days to vacate. If your buyer wants a fast closing, your tenant can hold up your sale. Give your tenants fair warning and ask them to start the process of looking for a new home before your listing. Buyers have of fear of tenants refusal to vacate and no new buyer wants to be stuck with a hold over tenant.

ODORS
Pets, cigarettes, mold and old food in the trash can. Nothing says, "Lets get out of here!" more than odors. Keep windows open if possible. Dehumidify any basements or dark houses to keep the moldy smell out. Clean out fireplaces, ashtrays and litter boxes. Have carpets and drapes cleaned and wash down walls if possible. Remember that buyers are imagining their stuff in your house!

PERSONAL ITEMS
Put away photos of your kids, your family and your personal icons and idols. A home that has no information about the owner is always a better seller. The mass appeal of a home with no attachments, presents a home that could be right for anyone. Buyers cannot help but notice your kids dance photos or your diploma from culinary school. And if you have an appointment with the un-employment office on Tuesday, for heavens sake, put the calendar away! What you put away, whether in storage or in a drawer can really help your buyer to see "the space" not the sellers situation. Obviously, important documents, jewelry and valuables should be out sight.

BE READY AT ALL TIMES!
Have beds made, clothes picked up and bathrooms clean every day. Try as we may to prepare you, the buyers sometimes call the same day and ask to see your home. Consider calling a neighbor to pick up if you had a bad morning!

SHOW AND SELL!