When it comes to selling your home, showings play a pivotal role. They help in attracting potential buyers and sealing the deal. Showings let buyers explore your home and envision themselves living in the space. Navigating showings can be a delicate process and certain mistakes can hinder your efforts to sell.

With over 13 years in business, our agents have been helping clients in Jacksonville for a long time. We’ve seen everything when it comes to what to do and not do when showing a home.

In this article, we are going to share mistakes to avoid when it comes to showings. You will have knowledge to navigate the selling process and reduce the average time to sell your house.

Neglecting to Prepare Your Home

One of the most significant mistakes sellers can make is failing to prepare their home for showings. Potential buyers want to envision themselves living in your space. It is important to create an environment that is inviting and appealing.

Failing to prepare your home can lead to buyers not putting in offers or seeing themselves in the home. Here are a few areas a seller can fail in when prepping:

• A cluttered and personalized home with excessive decorations may distract buyers.
• Not deep cleaning your home can cause distractions as buyers look at every detail in a home.
• Not addressing any lingering maintenance issues or repairs.

It is important to create a neutral and welcoming environment for buyers. Consider hiding personal items such as family photos, religious artifacts, and personalized decor. This creates a blank canvas that appeals to a broader range of buyers.

Being Present During Showings

If you are still at home when the buyer arrives, it can be awkward. It’s understandable to want to answer questions or provide insights but it’s best to give space. Being present can make buyers feel uncomfortable and prevent them from how they feel.

Plan on being out of the house during showings. This helps buyers envision themselves in the space without feeling pressured or scrutinized.

Consider leaving 15-20 minutes before showings. This is in case the real estate agent and buyer show up early.

Overlooking Curb Appeal

First impressions of the home helps future buyers picture the home with their lifestyle. The outside of your home sets the stage for what the inside of the home looks like. The look of the yard, the home’s exterior, and subtle details will help the buyers see this as their future home.

Neglecting curb appeal can be a costly mistake. It can deter buyers from even considering your property. A well-maintained home often captures the attention of serious buyers leading to faster offers. A property in need of repairs may have more showings, as buyers might be more hesitant.

Take the time to enhance your home by maintaining the landscaping and cleaning the exterior. Make any necessary repairs or upgrades to help with the curb appeal. Simple enhancements such as planting flowers and repainting the front door can boost your home. This helps make a positive impression on prospective buyers.

Managing Pets During Showings

It is understandable of the inconvenience to take the pets out of the home during showings. A pet’s presence during showings can pose challenges for potential buyers. Some individuals may have allergies or reservations about homes that have housed pets. Pets can also cause distractions when a potential buyer is touring the home.

To accommodate potential buyers, consider relocating your pets during showings. You can also confine them to a designated area of the home. Make sure to inform the real estate agent about pets being in the home or if a pet is in a certain area.

Remove any pet-related items such as food bowls, toys, and litter boxes to cut distractions. This will also create a clean, inviting space for buyers to explore.

Failing to Address Odors or Pet Presence

Unpleasant odors or evidence of pets can be major turn-offs for potential buyers. While you may not notice the scent of your home or the presence of your pets, others may find it off-putting.

Before showings, take proactive steps to address any lingering odors by cleaning and airing out your home. Consider using air fresheners or candles to create a pleasant ambiance. Removing pet hair, stains, and odors can help create a more welcoming environment for buyers.

Proper Use of For Sale Signs

For sale signs can be powerful marketing tools. Placing a for sale sign in your yard can attract the attention of passersby and potential buyers. It is important to ensure that the sign is well-maintained and visible. A professional-looking sign can stir the interest of buyers and prompt them to inquire about your property.

Effective Communication with Potential Buyers

Effective communication is key to a successful showing experience. Ensure that your real estate agent communicates with potential buyers and their agents. Communicate about scheduling, property details, and any special considerations your agent. Respond to inquiries and requests for information, and be accommodating when scheduling showings. Providing accurate information about your home can help buyers make informed decisions.

Navigating showings when selling your home requires planning and avoiding mistakes.

You can enhance showings and increase your chances of success by avoiding common mistakes. Addressing items like curb appeal, odors or pet presence can help you sell your home better to buyers. Create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for potential buyers. This makes all the difference when showing your home in its best light. It will also help secure a buyer who appreciates its value.

Focus on these considerations to help with transitioning from listing to closing. Be mindful of careful planning and attention to detail. This will make sure your home stands out to the right buyer who sees its true potential.

Watch this video on staging your home to further your understanding for getting your home ready for showings. 

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Call Phil Aitken To Sell Your Home Fast For Top Dollar!

If you need to sell a home in Florida, reach out to Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - Phil Aitken Home Team. Our realtors have been serving Jacksonville and the JAX metropolitan area for years. During that time, we’ve built a reputation for our exceptional selling speed. 

On average we sell homes four times faster and for 2.7% more money than other realtors in Jacksonville.

On top of that, we offer unique seller guarantees, such as our Guaranteed Sale Program. With this guarantee, your home will sell within your desired time frame – no matter what. If not, we’ll buy it ourselves.

To learn more about working with our team, give us a call at (904) 544-5252. You can also fill out the form and we will be in touch with you!

To learn more about our guarantees or work with our real estate team, call (904) 544-5252. You can also fill out the form on this page.