Three things you should NEVER do when you are showing your own house!
Never conduct a tour of your house!
People pretty much know what the kitchen is, and are fairly sure about the bathroom. People are going to see what people are going to see. They are going to look at the things that interest them. You can only irritate potential buyers by telling them the obvious.
What they want to hear and know are about the items you can’t see, like what the heat bill is, or the fact you put extra insulation in this outside wall for that reason. They may be interested that you have gas central heat.
Small notes in the appropriate places pointing the lookers’ attention to the proper item make for a non-invasive way to let them know. Index cards attached to the wall or folded in half and standing up can impart a world of knowledge without making the prospect feel as though the seller is breathing down their neck.
I have had agents (buyers’ agents) tell me in the past the these little notes seemed to take over their showing to the point that the buyer was busy looking for the next note and truly learning about the house.
Never leave and drive around the block!
Firstly, it’s stupid. It looks awkward for the seller and the buyer.
You have already put away your jewelry and your Rolexes. They are not sitting on the night stand. There should be NOTHING temptingly valuable sitting around anyway.
Instead, what you ARE going to do is to sit down on the couch in the living room and say, “you folks know what you’re looking for – make yourself at home and look around. If you have any questions, we’ll be right here. Just holler up!”
If you are by yourself at the time of showing, and for some reason, you feel a little apprehensive, then you already have your car parked out front in view of the neighbors. Instead of sitting on the couch, you are going to go to your car and return a couple of phone calls or use your I-pad. You can see if they are carrying out the TV, and the neighbors will see if you need some help.
Never even set up an appointment with someone who won’t give you their name, address and phone number to check out in advance!
“Safety first” and “be prepared.” They never get old or go out of style.
When someone call to set up an appointment to see your house, first be sure they are an agent showing the house or, if they are not an agent, be sure their conversation seems to be about the house and not something else off the wall. Agent, or John Doe, take the time (and be exaggerated about it) to get their name, company and phone number. Thank them and explain that you do hope they will understand if you call them right back for security reasons.
Sometimes sellers can be intimidated a bit by a pushy agent or buyer. Just remember, it’s your house and your safety. Be in charge of the situation.
Call me if you if you have any questions.
Don Martin
Martin Properties
(615) 973-8970
Graduated Real Estate Services
Nashville-Knoxville-Memphis-Chattanooga
TNFlat-FeeMLS.com or mlsDon.com
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