Michelle Answers: Should Sellers Stay Home During Showings?

Short answer: in most cases, sellers should leave during a showing. Buyers need enough privacy to look closely, talk openly with their agent and decide whether the property fits without feeling watched or rushed.

That does not mean giving up control of the process. A good showing plan sets clear instructions for access, pets, alarms, special property features and anything an agent should know before entering.

Why buyers are more comfortable when the seller leaves

Buyers often speak more honestly when the owner is not present. They may want to discuss room sizes, renovation ideas, price, condition or how the home compares with another property. If a seller is within earshot, buyers may shorten the visit or save those conversations for later.

The goal is to let buyers experience the home as a possible future home. Giving them space can make the showing more useful without making it less secure.

Prepare the property before you go

Turn on appropriate lights, open window treatments when the view helps, adjust the temperature and make sure the main features are accessible. Put away medications, documents, jewelry, keys and other valuables. Secure firearms and sensitive personal information.

Leave the home clean and easy to navigate. If a room, garage, basement, attic or outbuilding is part of the sale, make sure the agent can reach it safely. A buyer should not have to guess what is included or wonder whether an inaccessible area is hiding a problem.

Make a clear plan for pets, alarms and cameras

Pets should be removed or safely contained according to the showing instructions. A note that says a pet is friendly does not eliminate the risk of an escape, injury or frightened visitor.

If the property has an alarm, provide the correct procedure through the showing service. Sellers should also discuss cameras and audio devices with their broker and attorney. Privacy and recording laws can apply, and buyers should not be unknowingly recorded where they reasonably expect a private conversation.

Let your agent explain unusual features

Some properties need more context than a standard home. A large workshop, commercial use, acreage, equipment, private utilities or a complicated access arrangement may require written showing notes or an agent present to explain the property accurately.

That is different from the seller personally accompanying every visitor. Your listing agent can decide whether an agent-hosted showing, detailed feature sheet or advance qualification process is the better solution.

What if you cannot leave?

If health, mobility, work or another practical issue makes leaving difficult, tell your listing agent before showings begin. The schedule can be limited to workable windows, or you may be able to stay in a separate area while avoiding conversation with the buyers.

For tenant-occupied properties, access and notice should follow the lease and applicable requirements. The tenant should receive clear instructions, and the listing strategy should account for the fact that the seller does not control the space in the same way as an owner occupant.

Do not negotiate during the showing

If you unexpectedly meet the buyer, keep the conversation friendly and brief. Avoid discussing your motivation, urgency, lowest acceptable price, repairs or what other buyers have said. Even casual comments can affect later negotiations.

Questions about price, terms, inclusions and condition should go through the real estate professionals so the information is accurate and the conversation is documented appropriately.

Use feedback after the showing

Your listing agent can request feedback and look for patterns across multiple visits. One buyer's opinion may not justify a change. Repeated comments about price, condition, access or presentation can be more useful when deciding what to adjust.

Michelle’s takeaway

The seller’s job during a showing is to make the property easy to access, understand and evaluate. Most of the time, that means preparing carefully and then giving the buyer room to look.

If you are preparing to sell in Hammonton or elsewhere in South Jersey, visit Sail Lake Realty’s seller resources, explore Hammonton real estate, or contact Michelle McMaster to build a showing and marketing plan.

Prepared by Michelle McMaster, Broker/Owner of Sail Lake Realty in Hammonton, New Jersey.