- Lockbox on the Door – This allows buyers the ability to see the home as soon as they are aware of the listing, or at their convenience with their buyer’s agent. This also allows agents who work for or are affiliated with your Listing Agent to host Open Houses or preview the home for prospective clients.
- Providing a Key / Key Code to Buyer’s Agents – Requiring the Listing agent to be present and provide access instead of allowing the buyer’s agent to show alone, will delay your home being shown. Two busy professionals trying to get their scheduled to align will create unnecessary delays.
- By Appointment Only– The seller not allowing showings until they are contacted AND approve. Again, many times buyers have a short window to view homes. Appointments (meaning if you cannot be reached to approve, the showing will be delayed until you are reached) create delays that could cause your home to be missed. Try just a courtesy call. A message/text/or email is sent and if it does not work for your schedule, you cancel.
- Showing With Little Notice (example: 24-Hour Notice) – Many buyers who are relocating for a new career or promotion start working in that area prior to purchasing their home. They often like to take advantage of free time during business hours (such as their lunch break) to view potential homes. Because of this, they may not be able to plan their availability far in advance or may be unable to wait 24 or 48 hours to see the house. Try a 1-hour notice rule. This may give you time to go straighten up if needed.
- Limited Access (example: the home is only available on Mondays or Tuesdays at 2 pm or for only a couple of hours a day) – This is the most difficult way to be able to show your house to potential buyers.
Bottom Line:
In a competitive marketplace, access can make or break your ability to get the price you are looking for, or even sell your house at all.
