A Guide to Showing Your Home
SHOWINGS
There are two types of showings: a “Go-and-Show” and a “Showing Appointment”.
A Go-and-Show is typically a vacant property and any agent can bring buyers to the property with no appointment.
For occupied properties, there is a Showing Appointment- a designated time during the week in which buyer’s agents can schedule a showing. Available timeframes and appointments will be coordinated and confirmed with you in advance.
OPEN HOUSES
Hosted by your agent, a typical Open House will last from one to three hours on Saturday and/or Sunday. The Open House is a designated time that the property is open to any potential buyers. During this time, it would also be considered a Go- and-Show because buyer’s agents can bring their clients to visit the property without an appointment.
MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE (MLS) - Across the country, real estate agents use a MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to list properties for sale. Regionally, we use a service called Stellar MLS. This ensures we have the most up-to-date property inventory.
SHOWINGTIME - this service acts like an answering service that makes showing schedules for agents to access via StellarMLS. They will coordinate with your agent, or with you directly, to facilitate showings of your property.
SENTRILOCK LOCKBOX - An Internet-based lockbox accessible only with a SentriLock code; which is available to members of an official REALTOR® Board, ensures a secure showing process. SentriLock offers online and phone support for issues that might arise with showings and every time a real estate agent accesses the lockbox, we, as the listing agent, get an email.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SHOWING / OPEN HOUSE
It’s important that your property is easy to show to attract the most motivated and qualified buyers. The house should always be clean and ready for a showing with little or no notice. When you are living in a house, it’s important that the space is comfortable. When you are selling your property, it’s important that your home is perfect and “show ready” at all times.
Often when buyers look at properties, they see two to four properties in an outing. We want your home to stand out from the others. There are some simple steps that could make the difference between a buyer choosing your home or another one:
DE-CLUTTER AND DEPERSONALIZE - no wedding pictures, baby pictures, vacation pictures, etc.
LIGHTS - It’s never good for potential buyers to walk into a dark space. Leave a few lights on (on every level) and make the space inviting.
SMELLS - Your home should always smell fresh. People can be very sensitive to all types of smells, even air fresheners and candles. Prospective buyers spend more time in homes that are inviting and free of bad odors. Pet odors can be especially problematic. Litter boxes should be cleaned often to avoid an unpleasant experience by a prospective homebuyer.
MEDICATION - Prescription drugs are expensive and can be easily taken. Secure your medication or at the very least put them away.
TOILET SEATS - All toilet seats should be closed. There’s no explanation. Enough said!
MAKE SURE TO SAFELY SECURE ALL VALUBLES LIKE JEWELRY, FINANCIAL INFORMATION, ETC. WHEN YOUR HOME IS BEING SHOWN.
