For sellers, making your home available for showings is essential to getting it sold. After all, who would purchase a property sight unseen? When a potential buyer stops in, here are ten recommended tips to follow when showing your home:
Tip # 1: Welcome Your Buyers
It is a good idea if you leave the home for a short time to allow the buyer to look without feeling restricted by your presence. A potential buyer is less likely to voice any concerns in front of the current owner, which is why it’s better to leave your buyers with the REALTOR®. Typically 30-45 minutes allow plenty of time for your potential buyer to do a thorough tour with feeling rushed. Baking some cookies or bread before you head out will leave your home smelling delicious and inviting.
Tip # 2: Be Flexible
Many home buyers are on a tight schedule, whether it be work, school or other commitments. Time is tough to come by, so try to be flexible about allowing potential buyers to tour your home. If you are still living on the premises, it’s especially important that you be ready for last-minute visits.
Tip # 3: Climate Control
When a buyer comes into your home, they do not want to feel cold in the winter or overly stuffy in the summer. If you know that your REALTOR® is bringing a potential buyer to tour the home, make sure that the temperature is comfortable. Otherwise, your buyer may not spend as much time in the home as necessary in order to form an accurate opinion. The last thing you want is a buyer who’s in a hurry to leave.
Tip # 4: Quick Cleaning
If you have enough time before the buyer shows up, run the vacuum over the floors and make sure that any clutter is cleaned up. A clean home appears larger, while a cluttered one gives the appearance of being too small. If you really want to impress your potential buyers, place that plate of freshly baked cookies on the dining room table.
Tip # 5: Animal Control
If you have pets, remove them from the home temporarily or place them in a contained space, such as a kennel, exercise pen or carrier. This will allow buyers to tour the home without being distracted by a nervous animal which could result in a nervous buyer.
Tip # 6: Light The Way
Your home should appear open and bright, even if it’s a winter day, so open the curtains and turn on the lights throughout the home. Buyers will not likely be drawn to a dark, dimly-lit house.
Tip # 7: Educate Your Buyers
When someone is looking for a home, they are looking for more than the perfect floor plan. If you have recently had the home appraised or inspected, place copies of each report on the dining room table. Purchasing a home is a big step, and buyers will be drawn to a home that has everything out on the table, so to speak.
Tip # 8: Communicate With Your REALTOR®
If you want certain aspects to be pointed out during the home tour, tell your REALTOR® what they are. For instance, good neighbors are a big plus to any home, but it’s not something that potential home buyers will see simply by looking at the rooms in your house. If you have wonderful neighbors, ask your REALTOR® to point this out. If you live in a family-oriented neighborhood, let it be known.
Tip # 9: Curb Appeal
An important part of showing your home is making sure that the outside looks just as appealing as the inside. When a potential buyer drives up, you want them to be eager to see what else is in store for them. You can do this by paying close attention to your curb appeal. In addition to having a freshly cut lawn and properly maintained flower beds (if applicable), the outside of your home should be free of any clutter and any shrubs should be groomed.
Tip # 10: Be Open To Feedback
Once the potential buyer has completed their tour, your REALTOR® will ask them (or their agent for some feedback to share back with you. Though it may be difficult to hear feedback that isn't completely positive, it will help with further showings and keep you on top of buyers' concerns as they compare your home to others. the feedback may pertain to pricing, features, and/or condition.
Your REALTOR® can also offer suggestions on how to put your home in top showing form and find your buyer as quickly as possible!
Have more tips? As always, I look forward to your thoughts!
Be well,
Rhonda
The decision to accept a low bid should always be influenced by your actual financial position rather than simply wanting a quick sale. If you are in a situation in which you may lose your home due to foreclosure, accepting a low bid may be your only option. If, on the other hand, you are simply tempted to take a low bid because it is more than you originally paid for the home, you may want to reconsider. For most people, the motivation will lie somewhere in the middle, and balancing your motivation to sell and the potential financial loss of accepting a low bid should be carefully evaluated. 
