10 Step Checklist When Your House Is
Being Shown to Potential Buyers
Print Version
When a REALTOR wants to show your
home to a client, she will contact the Centralized Showing Service. They will,
in turn, contact you to confirm the day and time. If the requested appointment
is not a good time for you, offer an alternate time that is...but keep it as
close to the requested time as possible.
Keep in mind that
showing appointments are unpredictable. Most agents will set a window to show
your home between, for example, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. This means you should be out
of the home by 12:55 and don't return until 2:45. Due to the day's showing
schedule, the REALTOR and clients may not arrive at the home until 2:15
p.m.—which is why an appointment "window" is set.
Unfortunately,
sometimes the REALTOR will have to cancel the appointment at the last
minute...or sometimes they don't show up at all. Remember that this is may be
because the clients (potential Buyers) have either changed their mind or already
decided on another home.
About 15 to 30
minutes before you need to leave your home for a showing appointment, do the
following:
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1. |
Make sure the
temperature of the house is comfortable: cool in
summer and warm in winter.
|
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2. |
Many people are
allergic to certain scents and deodorizers, so don't
spray the air or plug-in air fresheners.
|
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3. |
Open all the window
coverings to let in light. |
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4. |
For windows
that show undesirable outdoor scenery,
such as a dilapidated fence or a nearby structure
that obstructs views, keep
blinds partially closed. |
|
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5. |
Turn on every light in
the house, including closet lights. |
|
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6. |
Put animals in crates
in a safe, but out-of-the-way place such as a
laundry room or garage. Some people are afraid of
dogs and/or cats. Cover animal cages if
possible...especially reptiles, snakes, and rodents.
|
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7. |
Turn off TV. |
|
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8. |
If the house is wired
for sound, leave classical music playing but very
softly. |
|
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9. |
Make sure you leave
house brochures on the dining room table or another
place pre-determined by your REALTOR. |
|
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10. |
Leave the house.
Don't set the alarm unless you have left
instructions with your REALTOR or the Centralized
Showing Service.
NOTE:
If you bump into the
REALTOR and Buyer on the way out, be friendly and
cordial, but do not stay. |
After
an appointment, I will follow-up with the showing agent to
obtain feedback for you. This may take a few days, so please be
patient. Generally I send weekly reports to keep you up-to-date.
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