How to Prepare for Showings and Open Houses

As a home seller, you want to make sure that you are prepared for any potential buyer that comes to look at your house.

Here is a simple checklist of things to do before a showing or open house to help you prepare and make sure that you’re getting the most out of every opportunity.

1. Eliminate clutter:

One of the first things potential buyers will notice is any clutter in your home. Be sure to remove anything that’s not absolutely necessary. This includes knick-knacks, sentimental items, excess furniture, etc. You want buyers to be able to see themselves living in your home, and clutter can be a major obstacle to that.

2. Remove temptations:

Along the same lines as eliminating clutter, you’ll also want to remove anything that could tempt buyers (or their kids) during the showing or open house. This means putting away any valuables, medications, appliances that look like they could be expensive, etc.

3. Be hospitable:

You want potential buyers to feel comfortable in your home, so make sure you (or your real estate agent) are available to answer any questions they might have. Have some water or light refreshments available, and be polite and welcoming.

4. Have a family plan of action:

It’s important to have a plan in place before each showing or open house.  If you have young children at home, they can be disruptive during showings, so it’s often best for them to stay with a grandparent or babysitter during viewings. Of course, this ‘plan’ won’t work for everyone, but do what works best for your family so that everyone remains calm and collected during showings and open houses.

5. Clean out the garage and attic:

No one wants to see your junk, so make sure to clear out any clutter before showings start. This includes putting away any holiday decorations, sports equipment, or other items that might make your home look cluttered or unorganized. If you’re not sure where to start, ask a friend or family member for help.

6. Check for hazards:

This one is important for both your safety and the safety of potential buyers. If there are any loose stairs or electrical cords lying around, now’s the time to fix them. You don’t want anyone getting hurt on your watch!  Make sure to fix any loose railings, step up your landscaping game (to avoid any unfortunate trips), and remove any potentially hazardous materials from your home.

7. Put pets in daycare, sleep cages or take them with you:

We know Daisy is part of the family, but she might not be everyone’s cup of tea. For showings and open houses, it’s best to put pets in daycare, have them sleep in cages (if they’re small enough), or take them with you altogether. This will help avoid any accidents (on either side) and give potential buyers a chance to truly focus on your home and not Daisy’s cuteness factor.

8. Turn on lights:

A dark house is a turnoff for potential buyers, literally! Before showings start, make sure all lights are turned on, even if it’s bright outside. This will help make your home look more inviting and makes it easier for buyers to see all that your home has to offer.

9. Give the buyer privacy:

Once buyers are in your home, step back and give them some space. It can be tempting to hover and answer any questions they might have, but most buyers feel more comfortable when left alone to explore.  If you absolutely must stay close by, try stationing yourself in an unobtrusive spot (like in your car).

Read More Texas Home Sellers Tips, Tricks and Lifehacks articles

Check out my other articles for more helpful information about the home selling process.

The home-selling process can be daunting, especially for first timers. But don’t worry, I’m here to help. To give you an idea of what to expect, I’ve put together a simple guide with the top things home sellers need to know.

Get more information by checking out my other articles linked below.

– House Selling Process – What You Need To Know

– 6 Factors That Increase Home Value in the Dallas Area

– Determining The Value of Your Home

– Get Your Home Ready To Sell Checklist: A First Impression That Lasts!

– Understanding the Listing Contract

– Staging Your Home To Sell – Will it Help?

– What does a Realtor® do to sell your house?

– How to Have a Successful Showing or Open House (Showings & Open House Checklist)

– Comprehensive Home-Selling Plan To Sell Your House

 

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The Seller’s Agent Duty

READ: Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Services

AS AGENT FOR OWNER (SELLER/LANDLORD): The broker becomes the property owner’s agent through an agreement with the
owner, usually in a written listing to sell or property management agreement. An owner’s agent must perform the broker’s minimum
duties above and must inform the owner of any material information about the property or transaction known by the agent, including
information disclosed to the agent or subagent by the buyer or buyer’s agent.

A BROKER’S MINIMUM DUTIES REQUIRED BY LAW (A client is the person or party that the broker represents):
– Put the interests of the client above all others, including the broker’s own interests;
– Inform the client of any material information about the property or transaction received by the broker;
– Answer the client’s questions and present any offer to or counter–offer from the client; and
– Treat all parties to a real estate transaction honestly and fairly.

TO AVOID DISPUTES, ALL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN YOU AND A BROKER SHOULD BE IN WRITING AND CLEARLY ESTABLISH:
– The broker’s duties and responsibilities to you, and your obligations under the representation agreement.
– Who will pay the broker for services provided to you, when payment will be made and how the payment will be calculated.

TYPES OF REAL ESTATE LICENSE HOLDERS:
– A BROKER is responsible for all brokerage activities, including acts performed by sales agents sponsored by the broker.
– A SALES AGENT must be sponsored by a broker and works with clients on behalf of the broker.