The Blue Coast Team is back to ease concerns about showings in your home! We meet with many clients who fear what will happen when showings occur. Whether it’s your first time selling a home, or your first time selling a home in many years, the thought of showing your home to strangers can cause anxiety. We have gathered some of the most commonly asked questions from our clients in Sarnia-Lambton.

Will buyers be wandering through my home unsupervised?

No, common practice stands as the buyer's realtor will take them through the house, showing them the ins and outs. They will communicate with your realtor to gain any extra information of your home and anything that should be shared. For Open Houses, your realtor will try their best to show potential buyers around while greeting others at the front door. Some Open Houses may get too busy to show each and every buyer around, in this case, so realtors will limit the number of buyers who can come through the house at a time. Some realtors will also bring their clients through the open house. You can discuss how you would like the Open House to function with your realtor. 

How much notice will I have before a showing?

The common practice is for realtors to request for 24 hrs notice. You can tell your realtor to share that you would like a day's notice and they can advertise that on the listing. If you want your home sold quickly you may tell your realtor to accept as many showings as possible with little notice. Is it all about your preference which you will discuss with your Realtor. In this, it should never happen that someone just shows up at your door. You will always have notice and the buyers will come through with another agent.

How will I know that someone wants to see my house?

Your agent will contact you. Every agent may have their own way of dealing with showings. Here at The Blue Coast Team we will call or text you every time we hear from a buyer or another agent who wants to see your house.

Preparing showing- what should happen at the home?

Prepare the home as nice as when the listings photos were taken. Ensure it is clean; counters wiped down, dishes washed and put away. Make sure the home smells nice but not too strong; you can bake some cookies, use some Febreze, or ensure the home smells clean. Speak with your agent and see what they feel needs to be done to your home to make the home “photo ready” for showings.

Final tip: do I need to be there?

Buyers would rather you not be there. They are going to be walking around your home and trying to see themselves in there. It makes it tougher when you’re there staring at them. You can leave notes for your agent such as, do not let the cats out, or please be aware that there are dogs are in the house.

Tips for showings during COVID-19:

We provide virtual initial meetings and showings through zoom and messenger. 

We request all buyer agents to ensure their buyer is serious, pre-approved, and has signed a COVID-19 medical form.

For buyers who meet all the criteria before entering the home must follow these rules:

• Social distancing in the house at all times

• Hands to be disinfected

• No touching of surfaces. Hands to be kept in pockets.

• No using of washroom facilities within the home