Episode 13: What To Expect For Home Showings
We have been discussing in our seller series what it takes to sell a house in the last few podcasts, so if you haven't tuned in and downloaded please do … we have some great episodes for you to hear!!
Previously we went over what to expect when your home is going to have a photoshoot. Now we are stepping into some reflection time on where our very own “house” has grown and the importance of a good foundation.
Sellers, not sure what to do or ask when it's time for showing your home now that it's open on the market? IN THIS EPISODE Lori breaks down what to expect, how to prepare, and answers some common questions about the showing process.
Takeaways:
You don't need to be home
Make a home welcoming
Unexpected things happen
Hear some more of the tricks, trips, wisdom, and stories that we didn’t summarize. Listen to Episode 13 of Lori Alvarez’s Real Estate With Soul: What to Expect For Home Showings
The Questions
What do we do?
How do we do it?
What happens when our house is shown?
What does that really mean?
What’s A Real Estate Showing?
A real estate showing is when Buyers come in to look at your property and either say, "Wow, I love it, or it wasn't a good fit for me. And these are the reasons why it wasn't a good fit for me."
Showings During COVID-19
Check out Lori's video to see what Buyers can expect.
So we already got your amazing photoshoot completed. We have your home listed on the MLS. And now it's time for Buyers to schedule showings and to walk through your home.
First we install a SUPRA Lockbox.
What's a SUPRA Lockbox?
A lockbox that we place a key to your home in that tracks everyone who goes in an out of your property. A Buyers Showing Agent will have a log in to access the key to unlock your house.
Why is this important to do? It makes them responsible for that happens to your property during that time of entry. Lori explains, "So if a buyer were to walk away with something during that time, your realtor who will logged into that Supra because that Supra is directly related to my code, my information, my real estate license, I'm responsible, I'm liable. I got to make sure my license is watched protected, which means I got to watch protect your house during that time."
Some sellers may not want a SUPRA lockbox on the property, and we highly suggest that you use this tool for your showings and protect yourself. It's super easy to install on the property within minutes and are super user friendly.
WHAT IF SOMEONE TRIES TO OPEN THE LOCKBOX DURING THE NIGHT?
No need to worry. The lockboxes can be controlled and locked all night so someone can't access and open them.
Private Showings
SHOULD YOU AS THE OWNER BE PRESENT DURING THE SHOWING?
We know. You know everything there is to know about your home and you can't wait to share everything with the buyer as they walk through it. But no, don't do that.
Lori said, "Here's the reality: you need to be gone from the property during showing time. This just lets the buyer have the opportunity to feel the house, experience the house, see their family in the house. You don't want to be there."
You're not their experience guide. Let them guide themselves.
ARE PRIVATE SHOWINGS REQUIRED?
No, but it's highly encouraged to help sell your home.
"You want to just allow for them to just walk through the space and imagine their family there."
CAN CHILDREN ATTEND THE PRIVATE SHOWINGS?
"I think one of the biggest services we do right now during this COVID-19 time is we're not allowing mom's and dad's to bring their children with them to showings, and it is hurting our market right now."
Kids need to feel the space too. They need to dream, to play, to enjoy the space.
“I love this room, I want it!
Lori said, "it feels great when you hear your 12 year old go, "oh my gosh, this is my room Mom, I love this room. I want it!""
SHOULD I ALLOW CHILDREN TO ATTEND THE SHOWINGS?
We highly encourage it if you're comfortable with it. Safety precautions are being taken, and we aim to follow them.
It really helps buyer's determine if a home is for their family because they all have an experience and an opinion on it.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR THE SHOWINGS?
Clean. Organize. Put away your valuables. Put away your important documents. Declutter.
Check out this episode Top 10 Things To Do To Sell Your Home For More Money for more details.
WHAT IF I HAVE PETS?
Secure them and ideally remove them from the property. People can be afraid of them, cats, dogs, and any other crazy pet you may own or even be allergic.
Lori had an experience where the Buyer trying to view the property changed her mind the moment they walked in and saw cats. She exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, there's cats. I can't even look at this house because there's cats. [...] So we automatically disqualified that house because there was a cat loose and we weren't aware of it."
DO I HAVE TO DISCLOSE THAT WE HAVE PETS?
While it isn't required for everyone, we highly encourage you to share that information if they Agent doesn't ask first. It allows everyone to be prepared and to make arrangements to still see the property comfortably. It also ensures that your pets don't go running out the door and Lori having to chase them down in heels!
Fun fact: Lori was attacked by a dog when she was two years old--hence the scar on her nose.
DO PEOPLE HAVE TO REGISTER TO SEE MY HOME?
Yup! At least with Lori Alvarez and Team. Everyone that wants to view the property must sign in (even before the COVID-19 PEAD days) so we can ensure a safe open house and hold people liable if a situation arises, such as something going missing from the home.
“It’s all about protecting the seller, your property.
Lori shared, "I've had some people get really grumpy about me because they're like, I'm not registering. And I say, great then you can look at the photos online. We appreciate you."
It's all about protecting the seller, your property.
WHAT ABOUT WHERE MY FURNITURE GOES?
That's all apart of staging. Basically, make the best use of the space for the buyer to experience! Listen to the episode for more.
WILL WE KNOW WHEN SOMEONE IS COMING TO SEE THE HOUSE?
Yup! Lori Alvarez and Team use a handy dandy app that will notify everyone in the home. It will text everyone and say that a showing has been approved for such and such time to see the property. And that means don't be home at that time! You don't want to be there, remember?
WHAT ABOUT THE BUYERS TOUCHING EVERYTHING DURING COVID-19?
We have practices for that. We have wipes, masks, gloves, booties, and disinfectant available. Lori said, 'Every time someone comes in to see the property and then leaves the property, we need to do a wipe down of the things that we're not supposed to be touching."
WHAT ABOUT ELECTRICITY AND GAS USAGE?
You want to make the home feel like home. So if it's hot outside you'll want to have your Air Conditioning running, and if it's cold you may want to safely have your fireplace on. You want your home to feel light, open and airy, so you may want all the lights on and all the ceiling fans on too. Make the electrical and gas expense and look at it as an investment in the return you will have on the sale of your home.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE A "FOR SALE" SIGN IN MY YARD?
Not required, again, highly recommended. Why? Because! You should be excited! Let them know it's for sale. It's a great house for a family and someone should buy it. Get the conversations started and let those around you aware of all those random people showing up to the home, parking, and waiting outside. And if you have someone house-sitting, like your neighbor, make sure they know so the Police don't show up awkwardly. Listen to the episode to hear that story.
WHAT IF MY HOUSE HAS AN ALARM SYSTEM?
Make sure it is deactivated for the showing or inform the Agent about it so they are prepared to deactivate it and reactivate it when they leave.
WHAT IF I WANT TO LIST AS FOR SALE BY OWNER (FSBO)?
Truthfully, we understand that's your attempt to save money. But professionals are professionals for a reason. We know how to get you the most value for your home, potentially above and beyond the amount you tried to save. Professionals make buyers feel comfortable attending a showing and we will follow up with all of them to get you that great offer.
The best thing you can do is make a family feel welcomed into the home.
Lori said, "Allow for them to have their time to experience it, feel it, see if it is the 30 year commitment they really want to make. That's really what's needed."
WILL YOU BE ON TIME TO THE SHOWING APPOINTMENT?
Truthfully, not all the time. Typically Agents are showing about six houses to a client at a time. Lori mentions, "So give us a little bit of grace if we're not right on time. Because sometimes things happen to slow us down."
WILL I BE NOTIFIED IF SOMEONE CANCELS THEIR SHOWING APPOINTMENT?
Ideally, yes you should be notified if someone cancels. Lori Alvarez and Team absolutely contact you to inform you of a cancelation if they are aware of it. However, not all agents remember to do so, and Lori reminds, "That's super inconvenient, and it's super inconsiderate. And unfortunately it does happen. And we need to just let it go. Because it's part of the process of selling a house. We're not perfect, and yet we do our absolute best to make it as easily transitional for you."
Closing Thoughts
What do you need to do? Make the house available look and feel great. Make it a welcoming experience.
Want a PDF Checklist of the things you should do to prepare and get your house sold for the most amount of money?
Now, are you ready to show your home?
Lori Alvarez has been in the Real Estate Industry for almost 15 years. If you’d like to contact her call her at 909-227-4196. She loves helping families find their home sweet home.
Our podcast is geared towards our current clients. We love to give our buyers and sellers great information. Wondering about something we haven’t covered? Send us a message.
Thanks for reading. What’s going to be your next step to finding your home sweet home?
Real Estate is an ongoing, beautiful story. That’s why we love to share ours and to help you begin yours! Tune in to the next episode where we will continue the conversation.
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