SELLER GUIDE
- STAYING FOR YOUR SHOWHOUSE
While it is
not ideal, agents do understand that sometimes circumstances do not
permit you to
be absent. This is not a major problem if you just take note of the
following recommendations.
1.
Children should be Seen and not Heard
This
is a
new experience for the kids. Naturally, they are excited, but they will
disturb
the professional flow of the showing. Ask them to remain away from the
agent
and buyers, to go outside or watch TV. Whatever it is they are
allocated to do,
make sure that they remain in one place throughout, with minimal up and
down
movement. If they are staying in their room the door MUST be open - do
not make visitors feel that are intruding.
2. Ding
Dong
If
you answer
the door, do so as you would for any welcome guest. The agent will take
care of
the introductions. If there is a situation that needs mentioning,
perhaps a
sick child in the second bedroom, do so now. You may invite the agent
to begin
showing the home and then you may excuse yourself.
3. Low
Profile
Discreetly
remain away from the buyers. As helpful as you wish to be, your
presence will
be intimidating. They need to be able to discuss the home freely with
one
another. And the agent needs to learn from the buyers how they are
responding
to your home. Your presence can limit that free communication.
4. What
should You Do?
Read
a
magazine; sit outside in a comfortable chair; continue with a minor
chore or
browse the internet. Pick a room and settle down. When they stop to
preview
that room, you may leave, but it's not really necessary. After all,
they don't
want to feel that they are chasing you around the house. DO NOT however
just
hang around looking like you are waiting for them to leave. Always
appear
active and comfortable. If there's a room that you should try not to be
in, it
would be the kitchen since buyers - generally - spend more time there
as they
evaluate appliances, counter space, cabinets etc.
5.
Conversing with the Buyers
If
you are
asked a question about a neighbourhood, schools etc., by all means
answer
pleasantly. However, avoid being engaged in a conversation. Questions
regarding
terms of sale should be referred to the agent. If the agent is a
cooperating
broker and does not have the answers, advise him that your agent will
contact
him. If you are asked why you are selling, make sure you have a
pre-prepared
response put together with your agent. “Our neighbours are too noisy”
will not
help your cause.
6.
Inclusions
The
listing sheet should clearly identify items that are included and
excluded in
the offered property. Don't initiate conversations about other personal
property that you may be interested in negotiating. It rarely is a deal
clincher, may be distracting, and besides, there will be a time to
discuss this
when the offer is presented.
7. Let the
"Pro" Work
As
much as
you love your home, don't be tempted into doing the agent's job. They
have been
working with the buyers and should know what is important to them.
Whether the
agent mentions your new counter top oven now, or after they leave, is
in their hands.
We at Property Network offer extensive training on reading and dealing
with people types and other good agents will have this knowledge as
well. Don't be troubled if the agent does not give the same information
to every buyer - or in some cases offers no information at all, simply
walking with the buyer through the home. They are giving what that
particular buyer is intererested in hearing.
You have
done all that you can. Now, relax as we do our job. Soon, we will be
calling
you to say: "Congratulations! We have an offer to present to you."
Back to Sellers Guide Section 9 - Having a Showhouse
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