Tips on Showing Your Home to Potential Buyers

Posted by Nick Niesen on November 8th, 2010

After you?ve primped and prettified your home for the purpose of making it look more attractive to potential buyers, the next logical step you will have to take is to actually make these buyers feel welcome in your abode.

Whether or not you?re selling your home on your own or through the assistance of real estate agents, the basic tips for successful home showing remain the same.

The first is that you should always be ready to show your home to potential buyers. Naturally this does not mean that you should entertain guests who come knocking in the middle of the night. It simply means that you should be flexible with your availability. Always be ready to show off your home and greet your guests with a smile even if your guest comes in 15 minutes early or 15 minutes late. Don?t worry; clients who know that they are running a bit late usually call to advise you.

Unless you?re selling your home by yourself, it is also ideal if you discreetly remove yourself from the premises when the agents are showing off your property. Although it is understandable that you would want to see the reaction of the buyer, buyers may feel uncomfortable when you?re around. They many not be able to ask the agent questions about your home, nor feel free to open doors, windows, even lights. If you?re doing the selling, you may open and close doors yourself and naturally, answer their questions. However, try to keep your distance. Give your guests privacy and let them explore the place on their own.

As a home seller, it is also important that you remain slightly impersonal in your dealings with clients. This does not mean that you would act like a robot to your guests. It simply means that you should avoid bringing up your opinion on controversial topics such as religion or politics.

It is also advisable that you keep your pets away from the guests as they may be frightened by your friendly Labrador or may find the distinct animal aroma your pet emits offending.

Finally, for your own safety, try to know as much about the potential buyer before you allow them inside your home. You can verify the details they have provided (phone number, email, etc), by making a return call or sending them an electronic message. It is also ideal if you could have another person on site when you are showing off your home. If this is not possible then make your guests enter the home (and the interior rooms) first and situate yourself by the door at all times. This way, you can easily run off if something goes wrong.