Every single time an agent is trying to lay some simple ground rules with a client who is trying to sell a home, some “unspoken’s” get discussed. If you are in the process of selling your home, you have probably already sanitized it in and out, staged it perfectly, and scrubbed it down from floorboards to rooftop. Ok, so it seems to be in immaculate shape, and you are good to go, and that is right, you are! But no matter how nice your home is, your behavior can totally affect how buyers feel about making an offer.
This amazing article breaks it down to a tee and helps you to nail the deal, if the rules are followed. There are some unwritten etiquette rules some sellers should follow to show their home in the best possible light!
Leave
Sure, you’re dying to know if prospective buyers will love what you’ve done with the kitchen, but Realtors® agree sellers should not be there lurking in the shadows during an open house or showing. Buyers do not feel comfortable when the owner is at the home watching their every single move. You should get out of their way, so that they can actually start picturing themselves living there and arranging their belongings and furniture around. If you cannot leave, at least hide.
Take your pets with you
You think Humbert is the cutest labradoodle ever, but not everyone is bound to share that opinion. In addition to having allergies, some home shoppers may not be in the market for a run-in with an animal they don’t know. As a buyer, you probably would not want a background noise set to “barking dog” while you are touring the home and trying to picture your bright future in it. Not to mention all of the stress it is putting on your beloved pet. Take your mutt for a car ride, to the dog park, or for a long walk. It will do you both good.
Move your car
Make it easy for visitors to park and view the home. No one likes parking issues. Having them is a sure way to get a viewing off to a bad start. In fact, if potential buyers have to park a block away and walk, they may just skip taking the tour of your home. Or if they’re willing to make the hike, they may be in a lousy mood by the time they enter your home. Why risk it?
Lay out important documents
If questions arise while buyers are on the premises, it may help them decide to put in an offer that much faster if they can find answers quickly and in writing. Leaving necessary documents in an easy-to-find spot isn’t just good for selling, it’s also good selling etiquette. Put out the home inspection report, appraisal, home warranty, monthly bill information—gas, oil, electric—and proof of any major repairs are all good things to let people look through when they are considering buying your home.
Offer some refreshments
House hunters can get parched and peckish. You can help! Putting out a few small bottled waters in a small bowl of ice is always appreciated, along with some light, easy grab-and-go sort of refreshments like mints or cookies.
Be patient waiting for feedback
Of course, you’re dying to know what buyers thought of your home, but that information may not flow back to you instantaneously. Buyers often want to process what they’ve seen and think it over before making an offer. If one comes through, don’t worry, you’ll hear about it! It is reasonable to ask for feedback from your Realtor after the showing, but understand it may take a day or two for the buyer’s agent to respond.
Don’t be greedy
Who doesn’t want top dollar for their home? But an unwillingness to negotiate can kill a possible deal and keep your home on the market long after you were hoping to be unpacking at your new place. Focusing on your bottom line is always important, but greed can lead to disaster. Remember a little of something is better than a lot of nothing. Generosity will lead you to your promise land.
Now you are totally prepared for a successful home sale and can handle anything that comes your way! You are going to rock it!
8 Unwritten Etiquette Rules Every Home Seller Should Know by Liz Alterman.
