SELLERS INFORMATION

You've put your house on the market and soon inquiries from buyers eager to view your property will begin to occur. A viewing or a showing is a necessary part of selling a home. So, to help expedite your home's sale through a viewing, ensure your house is tidy and make plans to leave for a few hours. Here are some other reasons why a stroll in the park or an outing to the mall during a showing may ensure potential homebuyers give your home more then a cursory look.

Making yourself scarce not only allows your agent to focus on would-be buyers and highlight your home's best features, it will also enable visitors to relax while viewing your property. It's important to give buyers the opportunity to walk freely around your house, to peer into a closet, open a window or step in and out of a shower stall. In fact, your presence at a showing is guaranteed to make people move through the house more quickly and leave with an impression of you rather than the special features of your home.

When a buyer attends a showing, chances are good that they are walking around and trying to imagine themselves cooking in the kitchen, sitting in the backyard or watching television in the family room. In short, they will visualize what their life would be like living in the home, which is an important way for buyers to become attached to a property. By being a part of the "imaginary landscape", current homeowners are minimizing the chances for an emotive relationship to develop between a would-be buyer and your home.

Your presence may also prevent the buyer from asking the realtor® a question for fear that it might hurt your feelings or somehow offend you and diminish their chances of successfully bidding on your home. By being hesitant or shy, the potential homeowner may not feel they received enough information to make such a significant decision.

Conversely, comments from you, although well intentioned, can shed an unfavourable light on your property. For example, what appears to be a harmless comment such as "traffic on the street really eases up after 6" can, in fact, significantly impact the chance of a sale. The potential buyer may get the impression that buying your property may feel like living next to Highway 55 and this remark could potentially evoke a subdued response to your house. And, even if the statement is minor, it can negatively influence the sale of your home.

If you must be at home, try to excuse yourself gracefully as quickly and politely as possible. If you own a pet, it would be wise to remove him/her as some potential homeowners may not find sharing space with your furry friend an ideal experience.

Some sellers are hesitant to leave because they have concerns about the security of their valuables and simply prefer to be at home during showings. Try to address any questions or concerns with your realtor® and find a solution that will ease your worries while still allowing the potential buyer to appreciate your home without distractions.