Do's and don’ts while showing your home for potential buyers

Showing your home to potential buyers is the most important step n the selling process. After all this is the step that introduces the home to the buyers, the step that will make them buyers or passers. And if you want these visitors to become buyers there are some things that you will definitely have to do and definitely not do. The trick is knowing these do’s and don’ts and putting them into play, or keeping them out of play.

One of the most important aspects of showing your home is going to be your flexibility. You have to be flexible at all times. This means allowing people to come in to see your home at the last minute. This happens all of the time and if you say no when these types of viewings turn up you could find yourself turning away the buyer that was willing to pay your full asking price.

If however, you rent out a part of your home, perhaps the basement, then you will have to give your tenant notice. In this case 24 hours notice should be fine. Talk to your tenant when you start the selling process and let them know your expectations and listen tot heir concerns if they have any.

Flexibility also means putting up with people who show up late. This is bound to happen from time to time and it is just one of the things you will have to learn to deal with. Don’t get mad when people are late, you could scare off a good buyer.

If your home is being shown by a professional real estate agent, get out of the house. Don’t hang around as this can keep the potential buyer from being at ease in the house. If they are going to buy the house they need to feel comfortable there and this is not going to happen if you are lingering and they don’t feel they can be honest about their feelings about the home itself.

The only time that you should be present is if you are selling the home yourself. If you are selling this way you will have to do all the work. This means opening up drawers and cupboards and even closets for the buyer. Chances are they will not want to touch anything will you there so do it all for them and do your best to make them feel at home.

When you are talking to the buyers talk about the house, not the weather or the news. Keep it down to business. This does not mean you can’t be warm and friendly, you definitely need to do this, but keep it to the point. If you get off topic you could end up insulting their sensibilities, this could be done by anything, you don’t know these people so play it safe.

The most important thing for you to consider when showing your home, especially if you are selling it yourself is safety. Take some time to learn as much as you can about the buyer before you meet with them. Make sure that you get their phone number and that you put a call through to them there to make sure it is real. Get ID as well, safety is nothing to scoff at so don’t take any chances.