Tips for Keeping Sellers Sane

Living in a home and keeping it in good condition can be a big challenge for current owners, but being prepared to deal with disruptions of home showings is essential.

Here are some suggestions for helping sellers manage this feat. These tips come from Dian Hymer, author of House Hunting, The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers:
Buy a big plastic tub for each room. When a prospective buyer is on the way, suggest they de-clutter by throwing unattractive essentials like toys and toothbrushes into the tubs, then stowing the tubs in the garage or a closet.
Develop an escape plan. Encourage sellers to decide in advance where they’ll go when potential buyers are on the way over. It doesn’t have to be far — taking a walk through the neighborhood is probably good enough.
Ask sellers to be flexible about showing times. Setting severe limitations makes it harder to sell a home.
Leave the lock box with the home owner. Even when the showing instructions in the Multiple Listing Service indicate that practitioners are to call sellers before showing, there are likely to be drop-ins. Allowing sellers to take the lock box off will protect them from unscheduled visits.
Unless it is absolutely necessary, listing associates shouldn’t insist on being there for every showing because it makes it very difficult to find a time that works for everyone.

Source: Inman News, Dian Hymer (04/28/08)