Your house should always be available for show, although it might occasionally be inconvenient for you. Let your listing agent place a lock box in a very convenient place to make it easy for other agents to show your home to home buyers. Otherwise, agents have to schedule appointments, which is an inconvenience. Most will simply skip your home to show the house of someone else who is more cooperative. Most agents will call and give you at least a number of hours notice before showing your property. If you refuse to let them show it at that point, they will simply skip your house. Even if they come back another time, it will most likely be with different buyers and you may have simply lost a chance to sell your home.
Try Not to be Home
Home buyers will feel like intruders if you’re home when they visit, and they might not be as receptive toward viewing your home. Visit the local coffee house, yogurt shop, or take the youngsters to the local park. If you absolutely cannot leave, try to remain in an “out of the way” area of the house and do not move from room to room. Don’t volunteer any information, but answer any queries the agent might ask.
Lighting
When you know someone is coming by to tour your home, turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights – even during the day. At night, a lit house offers a “homey” impression when viewed from the street. During daytime, turning on the lights prevents harsh shadows from sunlight and it brightens up any dim areas. Your house appears more homey and cheerful with the lights on.
Pet Control
If you own pets, make sure your listing agent puts a notice together with your listing in the multiple listing service. The last thing you would like is to have your pet running out the front door and getting lost. If you know somebody is coming, it might be best to take the pets with you while the home buyers tour your home. If you cannot do that, it is best to keep dogs in a penned area in the back yard. Try to keep indoor cats in a specific room when you expect visitors, and place a sign on the door. Most of the time, an indoor cat will hide when buyers come to view your property, but they may panic and try to escape.
The Kitchen Trash
Especially if your kitchen trash can does not have a lid, make sure you empty it each time someone comes to look at your home – even if your trash can is kept under the kitchen sink. Keep in mind that you wish to send a positive image about each aspect of your home. Kitchen trash does not send a positive message. You may use up more plastic bags than usual, however it will be worth it.
Keep the House Tidy
Not everybody makes their bed every day, however when selling a home it is recommended that you just develop the habit. Pick up papers, don’t leave empty glasses in the family room, keep everything freshly dusted and vacuumed. Try your best to have it seem like a model home – a home with furniture however no one really lives there.
Another great article by Oakridge Estates Homes for Sale
