Should I Stay For Showings at my McKinney TX Home For Sale?
Here in McKinney, we're a friendly bunch -- helpful, too. Often my real estate clients are especially nice, so, when it comes to showing their home for sale, I recommend that the best way to be the most helpful during a showing appointment is to have a sparkling clean home, turn the lights on, and leave the house during the showing time!
That's no problem for most Sellers -- they understand that's what Buyers prefer. But on a rare occasion, a Seller will ask about staying during a showing.
Q: Shouldn't I stay for showings? I want to make sure the Buyers don't miss the upgrades we've made to the home.
As a Seller, remaining in the house during showings isn't recommended. Buyers feel uncomfortable touring a home when the Seller is there.
But, I know my house better than anyone . . . there might be questions.
During a showing, buyers like to take their time. They walk from room to room getting a feel for the home. They'll usually look in the closets, they'll slide open a drawer or two in the kitchen and check-out the pantry space. Not to be nosy -- but to imagine what it would be like living that home! They're mentally placing their furniture in the family room and checking to see if there is enough cabinet space for all their stuff. The Buyer needs to feel comfortable inside the home -- and that takes a little time.
When Sellers are present in the next room, (or even worse, leading the home tour) none of that wonderful bonding happens. Instead of studying the house, Buyers are distracted by the Seller's presence. Buyers move from a buying mind-set to that of a visitor in the home of a stranger they've only just met. Not a comfortable feeling if you're a Buyer.
When the Seller is there, Buyers tend to tour the house as quickly as possible wanting to get out fast so they won't inconvenience the Seller by being in his home.
What if I just stay in the kitchen (or office, or backyard)?
As illogical as it may sound, when the Seller is comfortably at home, and the dogs are running around the backyard, the Buyer's first concern seems to be that of not inconveniencing the Seller with a lengthy visit! A Buyer seems to feel much more comfortable with having the Seller pack up his pets and stay out of his home for a scheduled two-hour block of time. Buyers aren't thinking about inconvenience then -- they're thinking about the house. And that's what the Seller wants, right?
Showings are not left up to chance. The best professional real estate agents know what works and it's their job to take care of their client's best interests!
What questions do you have about buying a McKinney TX home for sale, or, getting one sold?
I'm happy to help you anytime -- just call or email!
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Melanie,
Excellent blog topic. Too many sellers don't understand why they should leave for all showings.
Excellent post this often comes up from time to time with seller's great way of explaining why not to be present during showings.
Melanie, I couldn't agree with you more! A seller walking us through talking non-stop is worse than distracting. They have no idea what's important to the Buyer so they ramble about things the buyer doesn't care about.
Melanie, I like that you pointed out the best way to be helpful is to be gone for showings, some sellers really do just want to help but staying away and allowing the buyers to see if it's somewhere they could live is the best help a seller can give.
Well said. I've had too many buyer showings when the seller refused to leave and the buyers couldn't get out of the house fast enough. I just makes them nervous and they feel like they're imposing on the seller.
One of my clients works from home, and in a gated community. It's actually worked out well that he's there - much easier for the agents to gain access. But in general, I agree. Give the buyers their space (he does do that though)
I think you've got lots of valid points there. I have a friend whose mom put little stickies all over the place when they sold telling what eveyrthing was. "Cabinet for China." "Cabinet for plates." "Pantry." "Child's bedroom." "Light switch for exterior." It was so funny.