If you're getting ready to sell your house this spring, one of the initial discussions with your agent will revolve around the level of access you're comfortable granting to potential buyers. The significance of making your home easy to tour cannot be overstated.
Spring marks the peak season for homebuying, so maximizing showings can greatly leverage the heightened buyer interest during this time of year.
With increased buyer competition in spring, prompt viewing of your property is crucial once it hits the market. If buyers instantly connect with your home while sensing competition, you're more likely to receive the desired offer.
While minimizing disruptions to your schedule and the upkeep of a tidy house may be daunting, the effort is worthwhile. An article from Investopedia highlights the benefits of these strategies.
“If someone wants to view your house, you need to accommodate them, even if it inconveniences you. Clean and tidy the house before every single visit. A buyer won’t know or care if your house was clean last week. It’s a lot of work, but stay focused on the prize.”
Your agent will guide you through various options to help you determine what suits you best. The following list simplifies the choices, beginning with buyer-centric options and transitioning to alternatives that are less buyer-focused.
- Lockbox on the Door
- A key is stored in a lockbox for easy access by agents, allowing them to show the home to potential buyers conveniently on-site.
- Providing a Key to the Home
- Agents need to visit an office to collect the key with this option, which is still convenient for showings but slightly less straightforward.
- Open Access with a Phone Call
- Showings are permitted with just a phone call's notice, ideal for passersby interested in viewing your property.
- By Appointment Only
- This option provides advanced notice for preparing the house and arranging alternative accommodations, though it comes with more restrictions.
- Limited Access
- Opt for this if you prefer specific days or times for house viewings, but keep in mind that this choice is the most challenging and least flexible.
As an article from U.S. News Real Estate says:
“Buyers like to see homes on their schedule, which often means evenings and weekends. Plus, they want to be able to tour a home soon after they find it online, especially if they're competing with other buyers. If your home can be shown with little or no notice, more prospective buyers will see it. If you require 24 hours’ notice, they may choose to skip your home altogether.”
Your agent will guide you towards the best course of action considering your availability and successful strategies used by other sellers in your region. If you insist on providing buyers with more access or if there are potential buyers from out of town who cannot be present physically, your agent will think outside the box and suggest alternatives such as video tours, virtual showings, and additional creative solutions.
Bottom Line
When selling your house, maximizing buyer activity is key. Let's discuss the level of access needed to achieve this goal.