“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, and text; show appointment scheduling messages from the listing agent; and repair, reconditioning and inspection appointments. The house may be photographed for online or brochure presentations. There are 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 and your pets to be elsewhere. If you cannot remove pets, then they should be 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 a heavy burden on the seller’s time, energy, and resources. Some showings are scheduled for an hour or more, but finding an interested buyer is what matters most. The home will be shown to many more uninterested than interested buyers. How many times will you have to show your home? Typically, at least eight
12
Powered by FlippingBook