DODGING SHOWING SHOWDOWNS!
By Liz Burrow
When viewing a home, buyers want to feel that they can take their time, freely discussing their feelings about the property with their family and agent. They tend to become very uncomfortable when the home owner is present. If they are fearful that the seller can overhear their conversation or the homeowner is lurking across the street, waiting for them to leave, it often curtails their visit and discourages the buyer from taking their time to review the home fully.
Here are some reasons why sellers may want to be present and suggestions to overcome them:
• Safety- Some sellers are concerned that their belongings may not be protected or that the buyer agent may not watch their clients. It is not unusual for buyers to be intrusive, and right or wrong, when they are shelling out hundreds of thousands of Dollars for a home, many feel it gives them the right to inspect everything. Unfortunately, this does sometimes extend to items which are personal and have nothing to do with the sale of the home. While most agents are very diligent in keeping the buyers focused on what is relevant, there are occasions where someone lags behind or children are inquisitive and escape the agent’ s eye. The way to avoid this without being present at all showings, is to ensure that all personal and valuable items are stored out of sight or in locked cabinets. Small electronics, jewelry and medications are particularly important to put away.
• Housebound- In some cases, it may be unavoidable as the owner is incapacitated. In such a situation, I recommend finding a specific room or area, as far from the hub of the home as possible( preferably behind a closed door), allowing buyers to view the rest of the home without feeling as if they are being watched.
• Special Features- Owners sometimes feel the need to share aspects of their homes with prospective buyers. Trust your agent to impart that information on your behalf, or have them produce a professional display to stand in your home so that buyers can read for themselves the updates and improvements that make your home unique.
• Set Restrictions- Babies nap time or animals which need to be removed are some examples that I hear. If you have unavoidable limitations, have your agent setup restricted times in the MRIS so that buyer agents know that they can’ t book showings during those periods. Most agents will respect and try to work around them as long as they are not too limiting. It is better to have specific showing hours than be present for showings, unless absolutely unavoidable.
While I always encourage sellers to make their home as accessible as possible, as often as possible, I would highly recommend that you try to reschedule a showing rather than being present. Your goal should be to make the experience of viewing your home as easy as possible for any potential buyer and giving them full access in a timeframe that suites them initiates the process in the most positive way.
* Resident realtors are welcome to submit real estate articles for print in this column. All articles must be strictly information and market oriented.
Rely on Linganore Resident Specialist LIZ BURROW 301.865.9675
LakeHomesByLiz @ Comcast. net SELLERS – Get your home SOLD
10156 Vantage Pt 6808 Woodridge Rd
Northshore Lakefront Private Dock
BUYERS – Find the Perfect home OR Build Your Dream Home
240.309.6000
CUSTOM HOMES by
Gorgeous- Almost New Backs to Open Space
LakeHomesByLiz. com
TAKE
Lake Talk Exclusive Offer!
$
75 OFF
Whole House Humidifier Installation!
Present coupon to technician at time of service. Exp. 3 / 15 / 17. Not valid with any other offer / discount.
1-866-500-HEAT • Holtzople. com
LakeTalk February 2017 21