Of course, the sellers likely mean well, but they likely don’t know what is most important to the potential buyers during a tour. A seller’s presence during the showing can make the buyers feel awkward, which won’t help the sellers when it comes to selling their home. Learn more about whether sellers should stay in the home or leave during a scheduled showing.
The Listing Agent’s Responsibility
The person who is most responsible is the seller’s listing agent, who should inform the sellers of etiquette and explain to them what prospective buyers expect when they show up for their tour. In short, buyers expect sellers to be out of the house. That means the sellers they should not be home for any home showing event for any reason, including these occasions:
Broker tours and caravans Home-showing appointments Open houses Home inspections paid for by the buyer Buyer’s appraisal
Sellers hire real estate agents to sell their homes so they can rely on their knowledge to advise, market, advertise, and produce a buyer. The seller does not need to be home in order for the listing agent to do their job.
Giving Buyers Space
Buyer’s agents also demand privacy for their clients. During a first showing, they help clients envision living in a home, and they can’t do that job if the seller is in the other room. The seller’s presence in the home can make potential buyers feel uncomfortable. The visitors may be in a hurry to leave, or they may feel that they must be overly polite. They may say only nice things about the home, rather than bringing up any of their real questions or concerns. Sellers can easily ruin their own chances at making a home sale by staying in the house during a showing. This negative experience can cause buyers to form judgments about the sellers, negatively impacting the home’s appeal. If a seller overhears what might be perceived as a negative comment from a buyer, the seller might form an instant dislike of the buyer. That can interfere with a seller’s ability to be objective about any potential offers from buyers they decided they did not like.
Other Tips for Sellers
Leaving the house before a showing might be the best advice those selling a home can follow, but there are also other suggestions worth heeding. First on the list: clean and declutter. If sellers are still living in a home they are trying to sell, it’s expected that it will look as if someone lives there. On the other hand, a dirty house is a total turnoff. Excess clutter can make it more difficult for potential buyers to envision how they would use the space in a room. Pets also require planning on the part of sellers. The best option is to have someplace else where the pets can go during showings, such as the home of a pet-friendly friend or neighbor. Making snacks or refreshments available during open houses always is a good idea. A buyer isn’t likely to make an offer simply because they liked your sugar cookies, but it’s still a friendly gesture that makes a positive impact. Along with snacks and drinks, provide any brochures or magazines about your home or the neighborhood. Ideally, these should be items that potential buyers can take with them.
