Showing the House to Potential Home Buyers – Tips from Dale Warfel

Your house should always be available for show, even though it may occasionally be inconvenient for you. Most agents will call and give you at least a couple of hours notice before showing your property. If you refuse to let them show it at that time, they will just skip your house. Even if they come back another time, it will probably be with different buyers and you may have just lost a chance to sell your home.

Homebuyers will feel like intruders if you are home when they visit, and they might not be as receptive toward viewing your home. Visit the local coffee house, yogurt shop, or take the kids to the local park. If you absolutely cannot leave, try to remain in an out of the way area of the house and do not move from room to room. Do not volunteer any information, but answer any questions the agent may ask.

When you know someone is coming by to tour your home, turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights – even during the day. Your house looks more homey and cheerful with the lights on. Do not use scented sprays to prepare for visitors. It is too obvious and many people find the smells of those sprays offensive, not to mention that some may be allergic.

If you have pets, make sure your listing agent puts a notice with your listing in the multiple listing services. If you know someone is coming, it would be best to try to take the pets with you while the homebuyers tour your home. If you cannot do that, It is best to keep dogs in a penned area in the back yard.

Especially if your kitchen trash can does not have a lid, make sure you empty it every time someone comes to look at your home – even if your trash can is kept under the kitchen sink.

Not everyone makes his or her bed every day, but when selling a home it is recommended that you develop the habit. Pick up papers, do not leave empty glasses in the family room, keep everything freshly dusted and vacuumed.

Try your best to have it look like a model home.

For your requirements in buying or selling properties in San Jose, especially in the communities of Almaden valley and Willow Glen, contact me via email at: dale@dalewarfel.com or on the phone: 408.624.6202