market and your home is not selling, you are probably priced too high and prospective buyers are not considering your home a viable option.
LIVING IN A SWIRLING FISHBOWL
A house on the market requires keeping the home in a constant “show-ready” condition and adjustment to changes in day-to-day life that are inherent in the process. Sellers get out-of-business- hours phone calls from unrepresented prospects and buyers’ agents to show the home; frequent updates by phone, email, text and show appointment scheduling messages from the listing agent, repair and reconditioning appointments and inspections. The house may be photographed for online, periodical or brochure presentations. There are usually repeated showings when the home first hits the market. Keep your home in pristine showing condition for impromptu visitors — the perfect prospect might just drop in at dinnertime. Rude, perhaps but necessary to accommodate.
CHILDREN (AND PETS) SHOULD BE UNSEEN, UNHEARD
Children and pets are distractions for potential buyers, affecting their experience of your home. You should plan for your children to be elsewhere and your pets crated or leashed, and no toys lying about or dog hair on the sofa. The dishes should always be done and the kitchen sparkling. The pressure of showing to everyone even mildly interested in looking (not necessarily buying) may come from the idea that the more your home is seen, the more quickly and easily your home will sell. Many real estate agents provide their clients with dozens of homes to consider without a clear picture of what the buyer wants. Low-interest traffic can be heavy and a burden on the
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