Where Do I Go During a Showing?
And What About the Dog? Easy House Showing Tips for Sellers
Fort Walton Beach
- Niceville
- Navarre
- Crestview
- Shalimar
- Mary Esther
- Destin
- Freeport
Your phone buzzes. A showing is booked for 2:00. Now what? Where do you go, what do you do with the dog, and should you touch the thermostat? Here are the simple answers, so you can head out the door without the scramble.
Take a Little Drive. Showings Are Quick.
You don't need to plan a whole afternoon away. Grab a coffee, run an errand or take a loop around the neighborhood. Most showings wrap up well before you'd finish a movie.
When buyers really like a home, they usually don't linger the first time. They go home, talk it over and ask to come back. That second visit is when they slow down and picture themselves living there, so a quick first showing is nothing to worry about.
So, What About the Dog?
You've got three good options. Hover over each card, or tap it on your phone, to see how it works.
Take the Dog With You
This is the one I recommend most. Your pup gets a car ride, buyers get to relax and look around, and nobody has to wonder how the dog feels about strangers.
Bentley votes for this one every time.
Kennel the Dog
If your dog stays quiet in a kennel, this works well. Before the showing, I'll check with the buyer's agent to make sure their buyers are comfortable with a dog in a kennel while they tour.
That way, you know ahead of time, and nobody is surprised at the door.
The Dog Stays Out
Some dogs just aren't used to a kennel. If the buyers say they're comfortable, some sellers leave a friendly, easygoing dog out during the tour.
Same rule as the kennel: the buyers get asked first, so everyone feels at ease.
Four Quick Things Before You Leave
These take about two minutes and make a real difference in how the home feels the moment buyers walk in.
Turn on every light, even on a sunny day. Lamps, closets and the bathroom too. Bright rooms feel bigger and more welcoming.
Set the thermostat on the cooler side. Nobody complains that a house feels too cool, but buyers notice right away when it's warm, especially in a Florida summer.
Open the blinds and curtains to let the daylight in, and so buyers can see the view out back.
Put away valuables, medications and mail with your name on it. Then grab the keys, the leash and the dog.
What Sellers Ask Me Most
How long does a house showing take?
Usually 15 to 20 minutes. Even when buyers really love a home, a first showing rarely runs past 30 minutes. If they're interested, they'll often ask to come back for a second, longer look.
Should I stay home during a showing?
It's best to step out. Buyers relax, open closets and talk freely with their agent when the owner isn't there, and that helps them picture the home as theirs.
What if I work from home?
Plan a short break. Take your laptop to a coffee shop or run an errand nearby. Because most showings are quick, you'll be back at your desk soon.
The buyers want a second showing. Is that a good sign?
Yes. A second visit usually means the home made their short list. That's when they slow down, measure and picture themselves living there.
Lights On, Cool Air, Dog in the Car.
Showings don't have to take over your day. Flip on the lights, set the thermostat a little cool, and take a short drive while buyers look around. For your pet, bringing them along is the easiest choice, and a kennel or a friendly dog left out can work too when the buyers say it's okay.
A little planning before you list makes showings even easier. Here's what to do before selling your house. And if you're getting ready to sell, I'm a Fort Walton Beach real estate agent who'll help you plan showings around your schedule, and your pets. See what I learn from every showing as a Fort Walton Beach listing agent, or how I help sellers sell a home in Navarre.
Helpful Links
- Fort Walton Beach Listing Agent
- Navarre Listing Agent
- What to Do Before Selling Your House
- 5 Emotional Mistakes Sellers Make Before They List
- Do Open Houses Actually Sell Homes?
- What Days on Market Is Really Telling You
- How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House?
- Selling a Vacant House
- What Is My Home Worth?
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