I recently read a post from my friend here on Active Rain, Tony Orefice. The post made me laugh, as Tony was nearly tearing his hair out. I didn't bookmark the post, as it was for Member's Only. Tony had his home on the market for sale. One day he and his wife were in the process of doing some cleaning and de cluttering, just like we remind all of our sellers to do.
And, guess what? When he was spending an afternoon decluttering, he got that dreaded call that another agent wanted to bring a buyer to look at the house. Timing is everything, isn't it?
What is a seller to do in this situation?
Refuse the showing?
Run and hide?
Let the buyers come in and see that the place is a mess?
Uh - oh, dilemma!
What if that is the RIGHT buyer for your home?
You want as much exposure as possible, don't you? What if you haven't had very many showings on your home?
What if the buyer's agent can't reschedule for a time that most comfortable for you, the seller?
It is so important that we let every single (qualified) buyer come through our home as possible, as you never know which one will buy your home!
In Tony's situation, he and he wife raced to pull their house back together and allowed the showing. Word came back that there would possibly be a second showing. Smart man, Tony! As a real estate professional he knows the value of every single buyer that walks through his front door!
I remember years ago when my sister and I had our house for sale (many many moons before I had my real estate license) we had a call for a showing on our home. We had just arrived back from a trip to Mexico - that afternoon. We had just gotten home, and started unpacking. The house was in a complete shambles, and I mean we had stuff everywhere. I told the agent that it was not a good time for buyers to come through. She wouldn't take no for an answer. She insisted. At that time we reluctantly said yes. We spent the next 30 minutes throwing suitcases, dirty clothes, souvenirs, you name it, into the closets. We were praying that the buyers wouldn't open any of the closets.
Well, that buyer's agent brought us an offer to purchase on our home the next day. We accepted it, signed it and closed on our home 30 days later with the buyer that we originally said no, they couldn't see the house!
It just goes to show you, you never know who is calling to look at your home.
This article is authored by
Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate
that for you
Its hard to keep the home show ready but you want to get the buyers in when they are wanting to see it. Sometimes they dont come back if you dont let them in.
Smart moves! It's not always convenient, but I think buyers, too, understand situations, and can overlook it. Often, they just really want to see the actual house, not the stuff.
Good stories...thanks for sharing! I think the communication part is the key here...letting them know your situation and giving them 'heads up' why the home isn't in the best showing condition. Buyer's are smart enough to understand those circumstances...and a good agent reminding them to look beyond the clutter. Hey...maybe they did look into your closets and were impressed by the amount of stuff it could hold! Ha!
It's all written. ..buyers will find their dream homes despite the obstacles. .
Sandy, I always tell my sellers it only takes one and you never know which one it will be!! Great story!
I would think people would do a little at a time instead of all at once.
That's a great story Sandy! So true, you never know when that BUYER will come!
Sandy, this is why we have closets (and under the bed). God help us like you say, if they open the closets.
Hi SS,
thanks for the props on my post!!
Your post was right on the money...you never know if that next buyer is the one who's gonna buy yours.
Exactly why I tell my sellers "you can refuse a showing, but if you really want to sell your home, you won't". Keep some baskets with lids handy, throw the stuff in them, and get out of the house so the selling agent can do his/her job!
Chuck, You are so right - sometimes if you miss the first showing- you never see them again.
Mara, I think that buyers do want to see the house, and not the stuff.
Terri, I think that buyers are able to overlook some situations - so true.
Fernando, I agree that buyers do find their dream home despite the obstacles.
Caren, Right, it takes just one buyer for the home.
Tony, I think sometimes you pick an afternoon to declutter one room and it turns into a big job.
Miss Mary, We just don't know which one it will be, do we?
Gary, Like you said, closets are good, as long as the buyers don't open them
Tony, Thank you for the idea for the post!
Mary Ann, Good advice - tell the sellers that they really shouldn't miss showings.
Yep. We all agree that turning down a showing could be a HUGE mistake on your part. Gotta be ready to show at a moments notice.