|
SHOWING YOUR HOME
Get
comfortable with the idea of showing your home to buyers. Rehearse
your own techniques by going through your home when you are there
alone. Homeowners have been selling “for sale by owner” for
many years, and showing your home is not that difficult. Just be
yourself.
Generally
speaking, it is best to greet prospects at the door with a
friendly smile. You want the potential buyers to feel as
comfortable as possible when viewing your home. If you are showing
your home to a couple, give them the space to discuss features
amongst themselves. You may want to leave them alone
intermittently. It is not a good idea to allow strangers to roam
about your house unescorted. Use your own judgment here. After
they have completed their tour, ask if they have any questions. At
that time tell them of the special features and interesting
highlights of your home. Listen carefully to their comments and
questions. Answer their questions in an honest, straightforward
and sincere manner. It is important to reveal any known defects
(such as wet basements, leaky roofs, plumbing problems, etc.) that
are not apparent or easily detected. This can eliminate many
problems, even law suits, in the future. This will add credibility
to your answers to their questions.
Avoid
long, lengthy detailed descriptions about features that are really
very apparent. Brief statements about things they would not pick
up on - extra insulation in the attic, a fireplace flue that’s
already been cleaned for the season, etc. - are great!
One
request - PLEASE don’t say, “this is the kitchen, this is the
dining room”. They can see that!
The
following is a short list of important items to remember when
showing your home:
-
Be
patient and above all- don't argue with prospects. If their
attitude is bothersome, just smile, you don't have to sell
your home to them.
-
Schedule
visits 30-45 minutes apart. This will give prospective buyers
the feeling that your home is being shown on a frequent basis
and they will need to make a decision soon.
-
Put
any loose valuables in a safe place out of sight. Out of sight
- out of mind.
-
Don't
oversell. Buyers do not appreciate a pushy seller. Don't
emphasize how nicely decorated your home is. Although it will
improve the showing of your home, buyers will want to envision
their own decorating taste.
-
Be
knowledgeable about your neighborhood and its amenities and
desirable features.
-
Make
certain there are no "pet" odors or other unpleasant
odors such as garlic, curry, etc.
-
Try
to have pleasant aromas such as bread, cookies or potpourri in
the house prior to showing.
-
Turn
on the lights in every room. This lightens up the interior to
your home and makes it appear larger and more friendly.
|
