Advice for sellers: Don't make the mistake of staying home when your house is being shown...it's just not a good idea. Here are five reasons for you to leave before potential buyers arrive.
If you have your home listed for sale and I show up with a potential buyer...please leave! Go for a walk with dog, take the mail up to to the corner or go for a ride in your car. Nothing shortens up the time a prospective buyer(s) will spend in a home than the homeowners being home...even the quiet ones who sit in the den and try to blend in with the proverbial woodwork (and you know who you are!)
I feel strongly about this. What happens to the buyer when the owner is home? I have witnessed a few things happen:
1.Buyers suddenly feel like interlopers into someone else's daily living and want to get out quickly.
Fact: You want prospects to linger and absorb all the home has to offer. It is human nature to feel rushed if you think someone is waiting for you to leave. Also, remember they are there to see the house. You and your family going about your routine are distracting.
2. You might be pointing out objections without even realizing it.
Fact: All of you piled into the den might just be showing off how small the den really is. Some houses are small. The less people in them at a showing the better.
3. You might be saying something that can turn the buyer off or give them a reason to start deducting money off the asking price.
Fact: Something that doesn't bother you, might bother the buyer. Pointing out that the neighbors have 3 big dogs may not appeal to everyone. And when you see the buyer's expression change, please don't add that only one dog bites.
4. If you are home, you will be asked "Why are you moving?"
Fact: Your circumstances for moving do not have to be shared. You don't need to tell the family of 4 looking at the house that you are moving because the house is too small for a family of 4. One man's small is another man's big. The question is being asked to gage your motivation and to set up a price negotiation.
5. You may telegraph too much with your body language and demeanor.
Fact: In this market, buyers are looking for reasons to negotiate the price down. If you appear anxious or nervous they might sense that. Don't be shocked when they make a low offer because without knowing it, you looked like you wanted out of the house by sundown. And, vice versa, if you look too non-chalant that can be misconstrued to mean you are not serious about selling.
I could go on, but I think you get the idea. So, be prepared. Put all your valuables in the safe deposit box prior to listing to alleviate any security issues. Then when you get a call for a showing, make the beds, get the dishes in the dishwasher and take the dog(s), cats and the kids out with you. Let the agent show your home and its features and let the buyer visualize themselves living there. Tell the agent to take their time with the showing and to just call or text you when they are done. By inconveniencing yourself, you just might help sell your home faster and for more money!
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Sharon, good post for all sellers to see. They don't realize what they may project to the potential buyers also how the buyers may rush through the house trying to be nice and get out of their way.
Hi, Sharon. ANOTHER good post! I find #4 to be the strongest reason, but they are all good points. As a seller myself, I was always uncomfortable during showings and WANTED to be out of the way!
All quite valid points. When my husband & I were looking at homes we didn't even want the realtor around us so we could talk freely. As well, I wanted time on my own to get the feel of the rooms and to take photos, if it was a house we were serious about.
A chatty realtor following us around was a turn off, and owners being present was a definite turn off.
Not to mention that you are inhibiting the Realtor from doing their job, let them do what they do best
Bob: How uncomfortable for potential buyers to have the owner present watching them look at their house. Of course they would spend less time and leave without any real memory of the house.
Leslie: I would not want to be present either. Many years ago we attempted to sell our house FSBO (I know, I know....my bad! We were young and stupid and eventually saw the light and hired a wonderful agent.) I only had two showings and it was very uncomfortable for me to be there. Very awkward.
Sharon: "A chatty realtor" is not a good thing! The real professionals know better!
Gerry: Exactly! They are hindering the professional from doing what they were hired to do!
Great advice from Annie here, Sharon! I can see why you reblogged it - important info for sellers....
Debi
Debi
Sharon
Outstanding post, prepare is critical.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Debi & Lou: Thanks for stopping in!
All good points Sharon, thanks for reblogging! TOO-O-O many times my staging clients, that won't leave will say, "but everybody seems to like my...wallpaper, paint colors, bear collections...yada, yada, yada. They just don't realize that, for the most part, people are not honest with sellers when they tour their homes, they are kind. I hate trying to overcome those types of objections to change.
Hello- Good and practical advice for all sellers.
Well done blog...
Cheers,
Ken L.
There is nothing that makes buyers more uncomfortable then when a seller is home or hanging around outside.
Ginger: That's a very good point that people are "kind" instead of honest. They aren't going to really speak what they are feeling with the homeowner present.
Ken: Thanks for stopping in!
Debra: It reminds me of when my aunt had a table at a craft fair and my grandmother was "helping her" with the table. She meant well, but she followed people around and tried to force stuff on them. "Isn't this beautiful? My daughter painted it and it took her 3 days." She was chasing people away by trying to help.
Sharon - Thanks for re-blogging this -- all points are important and certainly valid!
Nancy: You are welcome! Thanks for commenting!
Sharon-Perfect example! I have a seller like that and he just doesn't get it!
Debra: We all have that seller who doesn't get it. Fun isn't it!
Great post Tara, thanks for reblogging. Telling my clients to be gone is one of my top staging tips. How could anyone feel comfortable looking in other peoples closets and personal areas with them sitting in the next room? They are not and are out the door fast and may miss a gem of a house because of it.
When we were looking here, one house we went into was nice but the owner followed us around the whole time, it was creepy! We kinda flew through and I don't remember a thing about the house just the guy.
Have a great holiday!
Ana: Your story proves the point...don't hang around during showings...it gives a "stalker like impression!"