Selling a house with terms that work for you while earning the highest amount the market allows is no coincidence. It’s the result of multiple strategies all working together in tandem.
Through careful analysis, you and your real estate agent come up with a plan to prepare your home to attract potential buyers and price it in a way that generates massive amounts of excitement.
There is another piece to the puzzle, however. In-person showings are one of the most critical components of all. In this post, we’ll show you what to do and what to avoid when a buyer wants to tour your home.
An accurate, unbiased assessment is the foundation of your effective home-selling strategy. Start by booking your complimentary home evaluation with our experts.
Keep the Momentum Going
By the time the “For Sale” sign is up and your listing is live on the MLS®, much of the hard work associated with your transaction is over. You’ve taken care of any renovations; you’ve scrubbed, mopped, cleaned, decluttered, painted and tucked away all personal items out of sight.
You may have even invested in staging, a proven process that helps homes sell faster and earn more. Or, if you work with Woolcott Real Estate, you’ve benefited from our complimentary staging services that all clients receive.
Your online photos are professional and eye-catching, and your agent is implementing a comprehensive marketing plan to bring your listing to the attention of potential buyers.
So far, so good, but what comes next? Soon, buyers will want to see your house in person, either through open houses or pre-scheduled appointments. At this point, one of two scenarios will happen:
- The buyer loses interest. They’re less willing to negotiate, if they place an offer at all.
- The buyer falls even more in love with your home and is mentally moving in already.
There are examples in between these two extremes, of course. Nevertheless, we want to do whatever is possible to achieve the second outcome.
Looking for more tips to “wow” every buyer? Start by reading the posts below:
- How to Prepare Your Home for a First-Time Buyer
- Does Curb Appeal Still Matter When Selling A House Today?
- 5 Home Maintenance Tasks You Might Be Missing
A Last-Minute Home Showing Checklist
A serious buyer visiting your home will be looking for reasons to want to live here. Since this is a massive decision and emotions are always involved, they’ll also be on the lookout for reasons to avoid placing an offer.
Your home may have been beautifully prepared and staged on the day the photos took place. However, it can be hard to maintain these high standards when you need to live there in the meantime.
A daily task list divided among family members will help you keep your house crisp and tidy overall. Then, a little extra care can lead to an unforgettable first impression when you have a showing scheduled.
Your regular checklist until you accept an offer:
- Get into the habit of putting everything away as soon as you are finished with it.
- Store shoes and outerwear in a designated closet.
- Wash and put away dishes or place them in the dishwasher immediately after use.
- Water houseplants, if necessary.
Doing a little each day will keep your house in near-perfect condition. A quick refresh is all you’ll need when you know a buyer is coming through. No stress or overwhelm required!
Perfecting the last-minute details:
- Clear all unnecessary items off of tables, dressers and countertops.
- Vacuum carpets and sweep the floors.
- If you have pets, place their bedding and food and water bowls (and especially litter boxes and pee mats) out of sight.
- Empty all garbage cans in the kitchen and bathrooms. (Cleaning is the best way to neutralize odours. Avoid scented candles and air fresheners due to sensitivities.)
- Weather permitting, open windows for fresh air and open curtains to allow the light in.
- Adjust the thermostat to make the buyer feel warmer and more comfortable.
- Check your home exterior to make sure the wind hasn’t blown up any debris from your neighbour’s yard.
- Mow the lawn, if required and time permits.
If you want to make the most of your home sale, your property needs to shine above all others. Here are a few ways to Stand Out in a Changing Real Estate Market.
Where to Be on Home Showing Days
The eternal debate continues on where the homeowner should be when a potential buyer comes for an appointment. Should you be home so you’re available for a chat and to answer all of their questions? Or should you vacate and leave it to the buyer and the real estate agent?
Leaving the house may make you uncomfortable, but any experienced Realtor® will tell you it’s almost always better to be anywhere else. The goal is to make the buyer feel welcome and to encourage them to visualize living in your home.
Walking in front of you while you’re watching TV or feeling as though they’re disrupting you as you work away in your office has the opposite effect. Even if you say “Don’t mind me,” rest assured that the buyer will absolutely mind, and it can cost you the offer.
Think of showings and open houses as a good time to run your errands or take your family to the park or out for dinner. When everyone plays their part, the buyer will feel more at ease and eager to negotiate.
Being ready for showings is just one part of your home selling strategy. Learn more in the posts below:
- Selling Your House in Hamilton? Here’s How to Make the Most of It
- A Back to Basics Guide to Maximizing Your Home Sale
- Why Home Sellers Need to Think More Like Buyers
When and How Often Should You Allow Appointments?
For one reason or another, many sellers try to restrict when and how often buyers can visit their home. It’s hard to be asked to leave your own house, especially at the last minute when you’ve had a busy day and all you want to do is put your feet up.
However, if you want a successful home sale, you need to make your house available. Work around the buyer’s schedule as much as you can. It may be stressful and inconvenient in the moment. Accommodating potential buyers can lead to a faster and more successful transaction. Life will soon return to normal after you’ve accepted an offer!
Do you have questions about selling your home in today’s market? Our top agents in Hamilton & Burlington can help you get the results you need. Reach out today with any questions you have, or call 905-332-9223 to connect with our office.
