GET
OUT OF THE HOUSE Many
times, a seller is reluctant to leave their home when it is for
sale. Everyone can acknowledge that it is a major
inconvenience. Sometimes they have a young child, the weather
is bad, the seller works out of the home, or someone in the
household is not felling well. Of course there are valid
excuses to stay, but just do not stay at home every time it is
shown. We know, that it often happens that the seller believes
they are a better sales person than their listing agent!!
After all, they had the home custom built, they know all the added
features, and can better defend the price. But that is not the
best way to accomplish the task.
When you’re selling your home, there's only way you can sell it is if buyers can view the property without you there. They'll make arrangements to do so with their REALTOR®, who makes arrangements your REALTOR®, or you. It’s best if you leave the house for these showings.
When buyers come to
your home, they will inspect it. Even on the first visit, they will open cupboards and drawers,
look into closets, and try the faucets in the tub or sinks. They might
even flush a toilet. Buyers will take certain liberties as they view your home that they would never consider were they a guest in your home.
After all , it is the biggest purchase of their life. Consider it
similar to a test drive, if you were buying a car. However, if
you are home, they won’t feel free try these things if you’re
home, or to talk freely with their agent. Remember, their
agent is a trained professional that wants to sell your home so they
can get paid! What a neat concept!
usually,
the buyers will have questions about systems, mechanicals, and other aspects of the house.
Perhaps this is their first home! They will pose these questions
to their agent to get information. If you’re looming around, the buyer may not feel
at ease to ask about the age of the roof or about the capacity of the water heater without seeming critical or nosy. Your presence changes
everything. Buyers want to view houses with a critical eye, and a certain degree of detachment.
Remember, it is their investment. If you’re present, this
dialogue isn’t possible.
Don’t follow the buyers around the house
and make them feel like they are intruding. Your presence can impedes the process. When buyers are looking at a property, they are consumers, examining the various aspects of each house. A house is a commodity with a value and a list of features that may or may not appeal to each buyer. If you’re present during the showings, the house suddenly becomes a home, and the buyer becomes an intruder.
The same is true for an open house. You’ll prepare for open house, dress your house for success, and get out. Take the kids and your pets with you. Your
REALTOR® will host the open house, answer questions, and provide information about the property.
When
you list your home for sale, your REALTOR® will spend time with you learning about your property.
You'll provide aSeller property disclosure, and enumerate a
history of the property, what conveys, what repairs were made,
address the mechanics of the home, and the condition. Information on every aspect of the house will be addressed, and your
REALTOR® will convey that information to prospective buyers. You don’t need to be present to tell each buyer that the house has a new roof or that you recently replaced the inner workings of the upstairs toilet. Your
REALTOR® will weigh what information is important, and when it becomes important.
The buying and selling of a home is stressful for all parties. When someone wants to view your home, take a break and use the time to treat yourself and your family. Go to the park, see a movie, get an ice cream. Let the buyer view your property without the additional burdens of your presence. Your efforts to NOT be home will go a long way to selling your house more quickly!
Here
are some helpful suggestions:
If not enough notice is
given, ask for a bit more time before showing. Do not turn away an
agent for short notice. Make sure you have a
good supply of flyers, available. Do not list your home
by appointment only! Have an extras sheet
made up with all additions, and upgrades. Request a courtesy call
be given in advance of showing.