Appointment Setting
Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors
®A Note to Sellers…
So, you’ve decided to move. Perhaps your family has grown bigger…or smaller, or you’re facing a change in your career. Whatever the circumstances…, by now you have probably tidied up the house with some fresh paint, taken care of those pesky repair items, trimmed the hedges or planted some flowers.
Now it’s time to consider what you can do to help your REALTOR® sell your home as quickly as possible.
Consider this…
Many REALTORS® agree that a potential buyer will stay longer in a home during a showing if the seller doesn’t interfere. Many buyers feel they are intruding on your privacy by walking through every room and opening every cabinet or closet under your watchful eye. It is very uncomfortable for the buyer to envision this home as their own or talk freely about the things they would change with the seller nearby.
Try to give the buyer the freedom of discovering your home. If you can, step out of the house and visit a neighbor or pile the kids in the car for a short ride. If that’s not possible, go out into the backyard or to the front porch until the showing is completed.
Remember, the real marketing begins when the buyer walks through your front door. The more flexible you are, and the more you cooperate with your REALTOR®, the better your chances for a quick sale. If at all possible, have your home in “showing condition” every morning before you leave. That way, your REALTOR® can quickly and efficiently arrange showings while you are out.
If someone is home during the day, try to keep your home clean and neat so that your need for notification is as short as possible.
It is very important that you and your REALTOR® agree up front about showing your home. Consider what times your home can be shown or if certain days are off limits. Consider any special circumstance such as a family member who works the late shift and sleeps during the day.
If your home is wired with a security system, you will want to discuss with your REALTOR® the access to your code. Check to see if your system can be programmed with a temporary code for the marketing period. Discuss whether other precautions need to be taken. Does someone have to let the dog out or keep the cat in? Now is the time to put away your delicate valuables to prevent loss or accidental breakage.
Remember, the goal is to sell your home and the best way to accomplish this goal is to provide easy access to potential buyers. Make sure you and your REALTOR® are in complete agreement as to how and when your home will be shown before the first potential buyer comes to your door. If you feel you must verbally confirm every showing prior to establishing the appointment, it’s up to you to make sure you are easily accessible to your REALTOR®.
Try to always be ready for “short notice” showings. Many sellers find that a notification message is sufficient instead of confirming each and every appointment. In the Cincinnati area, it is not uncommon for agents to leave their business card in the seller’s home after the showing. That way, the seller knows a showing occurred while they were out.
This is an exciting but anxious time for you too! In some cases, you will have to allow the homeowner to prepare for your showing. Again, flexibility is the key to a successful house-hunting trip. If you and your REALTOR® have scheduled several showings for a certain day, try to stay on schedule. If you decide not to view a certain home after the appointment has been made, tell your REALTOR® your reasons so that he or she can let the seller’s REALTOR® know as quickly as possible. Or, if you arrive at a property and decide not to view it, please keep in mind that the seller has set this time aside for you and take the opportunity to view its interior. You might be pleasantly surprised!
After viewing the home, feel free to give feedback to your REALTOR®. The homeowner does want to hear your comments. Also, keep in mind that you are a guest in someone else’s home. Keep a watchful eye on children and leave the pets at home.
The showing process can be a pleasant experience and an exciting first step toward owning your own dream home!
Date: July 30, 2002