Showing your house
I must warn you that when you put your house on the market while you are still living in it, having potential buyers and agents coming through will be rather uncomfortable. Not only will you have to let strangers into the house, they will even look in your closets and cabinets.
The best way to handle showings is to be out of the house when it is being shown. Take a walk around the block, go to your neighbors house for a cup of coffee, or anything to stay away for about 30 minutes. This gives the potential buyers a chance to look at your house thoroughly and give it full consideration. This also allows their agent to talk to them freely about the price and terms of the house.
If you have to be home, here are a few hints to ease the situation a bit:
*Stay in the background and allow the agent to show the house. You are not the tour guide and should not follow them around. Sit in the family and read, or go out to the backyard.
*Allow the agent to emphasize the features of your house that meet the buyer’s requirements. Do not point out features that you find desirable because the buyer may see it completely differently. It may also make the buyer feel that you are trying too hard to sell the house.
*Turn off the radio or television. The quietness makes the house more inviting. It gives the agent and buyer a chance to have some peace and quiet to discuss about the house, free of disturbances.
*Be courteous, but don’t make conversation with the potential buyer. This is not a social call. Let them inspect the house freely.
*If the potential buyer want to discuss about price and terms or any particulars, refer them to discuss it with your agent. Your agent is qualified to negotiate for you to favorable conclusions.