If you’re preparing to sell your house this spring, one of the initial discussions you’ll have with your agent is regarding the level of access you’re comfortable providing to potential buyers. It’s crucial to understand the significance of making your house easy to tour.
Since spring is the peak homebuying season, allowing for as many showings as possible can greatly benefit you by maximizing the increased buyer activity during this time. With heightened buyer competition in the spring, potential buyers will be eager to view your house promptly after discovering your listing. If they visit and are captivated by your home while aware of competing buyers, you’re more likely to receive the desired offer.
While it’s natural to want to minimize disruptions to your schedule and feel anxious about maintaining a clean home, the effort is worthwhile. To figure out what’s best for you, your agent will guide you through options such as:
- Lockbox on the Door: A key is accessible through a lockbox, making it easy for agents to show the home to potential buyers. This option provides the most flexibility as the key is on-site and convenient.
- Providing a Key to the Home: Agents would need to pick up the key from an office, which is still quite convenient for showings but not as straightforward.
- Open Access with a Phone Call: You allow showings with just a phone call’s notice, which can be ideal for someone who spots your house while driving by.
- By Appointment Only: This option gives you more advanced warning so you can tidy up the house and ensure you have somewhere else to go during the showing. It’s a bit more restrictive.
- Limited Access: This approach might be chosen if you only want your house available on specific days or at certain times of day. However, it’s the most challenging and least flexible option.
According to an article from U.S. News Real Estate, buyers prefer to view homes on their own schedule, often in the evenings and weekends. They also prefer to tour a home soon after finding it online, especially if they’re competing with other buyers. Allowing for immediate or short-notice showings can attract more potential buyers, while requiring 24 hours’ notice may lead them to skip your home altogether.
Your agent will assist you in determining the best approach based on your schedule and successful strategies in your area. If you’re firm on limiting access or have interested buyers from out of town who cannot visit in person, your agent will find creative solutions such as video tours or virtual showings.
Bottom Line
When selling your house, maximizing buyer interest is key. Let’s discuss the access options that can help achieve that goal. Get in touch with us now!
