Tips for Showing your Home

When on the market, your home should be available for showing at any time, even when it seems a bit inconvenient. The listing agent can place a locked box somewhere that will be convenient for other realtors to display your house to potential buyers. Otherwise, these agents will end up trying to schedule an appointment, which can be a hassle for everyone. Most likely, they would just pass over your home and proceed to one that is more readily available.



A typical agent will provide you with a few hours or so of notice prior to showing up at your property. If at that time, you decide to not let them present your home, they will surely go on to the next property and never attempt to show yours again. Even on the off chance they do return, it will be with other buyers, and that previous possible sale is out the window. Here are a few different tips for showing your home.



Don’t Be Home



A buyer often feels like an intruder if the owner is at home during a showing. They probably will not take as much time or look as closely as they would if you were not home. Take your kids to a park, or hit the local donut shop for awhile. If you must stay, just keep out of the way and remain in a single room. Don’t offer up any information, but feel free to answer whatever questions the agent may have.



Proper Lighting



If you have people coming to view your home, whether it is at night or during the day, turn on every light you have, both indoors and out. A lit home at night offers a "homey" look from the street. Having the lights on during the day prevents any sunlight shadows, and will brighten up a dim area you may have. A bright home is an attractive home.



Fragrances



Too many people inundate their home with fancy scented sprays when they are expecting company. That may be fine for family and friends, but potential home buyers may think you are just trying to cover up a natural odor that the house has. Furthermore, not everyone enjoys those strong smells, and some could be allergic. A natural freshener or pot of potpourri is a decent idea, or you could drop a little vanilla extract onto a warm kitchen burner, which would give off a smell as if you were just cooking.



Nick Muller | king-and-assoc.com