Laurie Keasey

8 Unwritten Etiquette Rules Every Home Seller Should Know

If you’re trying to sell your home, you’ve probably scrutinized it. Staged it, and scrubbed it down from floorboards to rooftop as if the folks from Architectural Digest were stopping by for a cover shoot. Ok, so it’s in immaculate shape—but your home isn’t the only thing under scrutiny here. You are, too! That’s right. No matter how nice your home is, your behavior can also affect how buyers feel about making an offer.

Today we’re focusing on the selling side of the equation Here are the unwritten etiquette rules sellers should follow to show their home—and themselves—in the best possible light.

Leave

Sure, you’re dying o know if prospective buyers will love what you’ve done with the kitchen, but Realtors agree sellers should not be there lurking in the shadows during an open house or showing.

Buyers don’t feel comfortable when the owner is at the home watching their every move. Get out of their way so that they can start to picture themselves living there instead of being spied on.

Take our pets with you

You know your pet is the cutest one ever, but not everyone is bound to share that opinion. In addition to having allergies, some home shoppers may not be in the market for a run-in with a pet they don’t know. Imagine as a buyer, having the background music set to barking dog while you are trying to take in the home’s beauty that you, as the seller, have worked so hard to prepare.

To say nothing of the stress it puts on your beloved pet. Take your beloved pets for a car ride to the dog park or for a long walk.

Move your car

Make it easy for visitors to park and view the home. No one likes parking issues,. Having them is a sure way to get a viewing off to a bad start. In fact, if potential buyers have to park a block away and walk they may just skip taking the tour of your home. Or if they’re willing to make the hike, they may be in a lousy mood by the time they enter your home. Why risk it?

Lay out important Documents

If questions arise while buyers are on the premises, it may help them decide to put in an offer that much faster if they can find answers quickly and in writing.

Leaving necessary documents in an easy-to-find spot isn’t just good for selling, it’s good selling etiquette. Put out the home inspection report, appraisal, home warranty, monthly bill information—gas, oil electric—and proof of any major repairs are all good things to let people look through when they are considering buying your home.

Offer some refreshments

House hunters can get parched and puckish. You can Help!

Putting out a few small bottled waters in a small bowl or ice is always appreciated, along with some light, easy grab-and-go sort of refreshments like mints or cookies.

Be Patient waiting for feedback

Of course, you’re dying to know what buyers thought of our home, but that information may not flow back to you instantaneously. Buyers often want to process what they’ve seen and think it over before making an offer. If one comes through, don’t worry, you’ll hear about it!

It is reasonable to ask for feedback from your Realtor after the showing, but understand it may take a day or two for the buyer’s agent to respond.

Don’t be greedy

Who doesn’t want top dollar for their home? But an unwillingness to negotiate can kill a possible deal and keep your home on the market long after you were hopng to be unpacking at your new place.

Focusing on our bottom line is always important, but geed can lead to disaster. Remember a little of something is better than a lot of nothing. Generosity will lead you to your promise land.

LISTEN TO THE PROFESSIONALS…

If your realtor has some suggestions for improvements that may help sell the home faster, take them to heart but don’t take them personally.

Don’t shoot the messenger. Keep emotions out and listen to what a licensed, trained, professional has to say about the house, be it a realtor or an inspector. Be able to take criticism and be able to move on.