Dear Rebecca
How spotless does my home need to be for a showing? How much notice will I get and what if is not a convenient time? Heather
Dear Heather
Your home should sparkle for showings. It is best to be prepared for showings on short notice when you have your home listed for sale. Even if your six year old is having a birthday party, your living room couch is now a fort and there are cupcakes stuck to the wall do not pass up a showing. Throw the kids in the car and put some cake out for your buyers- we can’t sell it if we can’t show it.
Usually, realtors will book an appointment to view your home one day in advance of showing; however, this is not always possible. Unless it is a seller’s market, where homes are few and buyers are many, if prospective buyers must accommodate your schedule in order to see your home it could mean a longer time on the market. If potential buyers do not get in to view on the first request, they may not book to go back. This is particularly true in the Fredericton area during military posting season, as time and logistics are critical to military buyers who have five days to find and purchase a home. In order to show as many homes as possible, in the short time available, their realtor will plan a route best for the buyers in order to view many homes. As backtracking is inefficient, if you are unable to accommodate a showing, it is highly likely their realtor will find them a house they like before they can rebook seeing your home.
Being ready to sell your home means that you should be prepared to accommodate the buyers schedule; by having your home clean and your schedule flexible. If you tend to be a bit disorganized just get some plastic tubs to toss your stuff into for short notice showings. If you cannot be flexible, be prepared that it may take a little longer to sell your home.
If your home is clean, tidy and uncluttered i.e. well staged, and you are ready at a moment’s notice you can expect greater success. Good Luck Selling Rebecca