» Top ten "Don’ts" When Showing A Home or How You Can Lose Getting The Home

Top ten "Don’ts" When Showing A Home or How You Can Lose Getting The Home

The sellers came home from a second showing of their home to find all the windows open, the doors unlocked, and all the lights on. They were not happy. They were feeling a little violated when they found the house wide open.

When an offer came from these buyers who had left the house open, there was an additional issue to overcome. Not only was the buyer’s offer low, but the lack of respect shown to the seller and the seller’s property by the buyer and their agent presented an additional negative issue. Not only were the sellers unhappy with the low offering price, they weren’t excited to work with these buyers and perceived them to be rude, uncaring people, people they would not want to sell their home to. Negotiations got off to a bad start.

When first listing a home, I counsel sellers to look at all offers seriously, even if the price is low. But if the buyer brings unnecessary baggage it complicates the issue. It can make or break the sale. My advice: don’t bring this unnecessary baggage.

Remember you’re in someone else’s home. Think about how it feels to have people come to where you live.

Agents and buyers, remember some very basic rules of showing etiquette.

Call before showing a home and leave your cell phone number so the seller can call you back if needed.
Give the seller at least an hour’s warning before showing up at their door.
Remove your shoes if asked or use the shoe covers which are often by the door.
Turn lights out if you turned them on.
Close windows you open.
Lock all doors.
Don’t leave fences open.
Leave a business card.
Watch children, make sure they don’t disturb anything belonging to the seller.
Agents and buyers should be professional and courteous to sellers. You are in their home.

Buyers have great choices and there are many flexible sellers out there. Don’t get off on the wrong foot. Keep the focus on getting that good deal. Don’t make some very simple mistakes, which could keep you from getting what you want at a good price. Respect the seller and the seller’s home.

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