Showing Instructions

Please take some time to review the following showing instructions.  Having your home on the market is not the easiest situation and we will try to make it as easy as possible for you.  One way to do that is to inform you of what will be happening during this process.  I have been through this with four of my own personal homes so I can relate to this first-hand.

When a Realtor is going to show your home:

• The Realtor will call you to let you know the showing time and date.

• The custom in this market is that the showing Agent calls the seller directly to notify them of the showing. 

• The time an Agent gives for a showing time is generally very loose.  Plan on at least a half hour either way.

If you are home: 

• If you answer the phone they will confirm the time and day with you.

• Try to be open to all showings; this could be "The One".

• Write down their name and company of the Agent for your information.

• If another Agent has requested the same time let this Agent know so they will not be surprised.  Do not suggest they change the time though.  Two Agents in the house at once will make the other potential buyer think the house is HOT!

If you are not home or do not answer:

• If you do not answer the Agent will just show up.  

• If you have an answering service they will leave a message with the showing time and their name and phone.

• Check your messages frequently so you are not "surprised" by a Realtor

• Assume your home will be shown whenever you are away.  Clean up and leave lights on.

During the Showing

• Leave all lights on, especially bathrooms, closets, dark corners, etc.

• Leave ceiling fans on low (reverse in the winter) to circulate the air.

• Keep heat and A/C at comfortable levels, especially in the summer. This will encourage long visits.

• Put on background music like a jazz station.  Make sure it is subtle.

• Greet the Agent if you are home and ask for a business card if one is not offered.

• Disappear, take a walk down the street or run an errand.  You will greatly decrease the probability of them buying if you stay in the house.

• Never offer to show them around or point things out.  With all good intentions you may emphasize the thing they don't want.  All-important features will be in the printout.

• Exit quickly and do not return until they have left.  A good Agent will corner you to get information about why you're moving, how long you've been selling, offers you have had, price reductions, etc. to use against you in negotiations.  I do.  If they do ask you questions be brief.  Don't give too much detail and do not answer anything that may hurt your negotiating position.  If you are not sure how to answer tell them you will find the answer and have me call them.  

• If they are coming through a second time, we may have a live one.  Be sure to let me know immediately.

• Call me at least once a week with the names and numbers of all Agents who showed the property.  Copying all the business cards on a sheet of paper and faxing them is even better.

• I will be attempting to contact all agents to get feedback on the showings.   This is the best source for information regarding the salability of your home.  This will help us determine if changes to the property or the price are needed to make your home salable.

• I will try to contact second showings immediately.

• Realtors will be called twice to attempt to get a response.

• About 70-75% of the Realtors will cooperate with giving me feedback.  

• I apologize in advance for the Agents who do not take the time to call me back.

Other things to keep in mind:

If someone that is a non-Agent knocks on your door, DO NOT LET THEM IN!  Do not show the home to a buyer without an Agent!!  This is for your safety.  Please direct them to me to schedule a showing.  You never know if they are legitimate.

An Agent may call from their car or show up at the door without advance warning.  Please do your best to let them in to show your house.  There are so many homes on the market they may not get to come back.

An Agent may occasionally forget to let you know that they will not be coming as planned; I apologize in advance for this.

A scheduled showing may just drive by or leave before entering, please do not be offended.  There is no sense wasting your time or theirs.

Please review this document frequently.  It is my intention to make this a painless and successful relationship.  Please call me anytime if you have questions or concerns.  Thanks again for your trust in me for this important event

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