February 2008 - The Parklander Magazine

PROFESSIONAL ADVICEREAL ESTATE:List it and Leave itCongratulations! You’re selling yourhome and you’ve hired an agent tohelp you. But what can you do to helpwith the sale? Simply put, leave.By Bill FitzsimmonsWhen you’re selling your home, potentialbuyers will set up an appointment throughtheir agent for a visit. The normal routine isfor the buyer’s agent to contact the seller’sagent for the showing. You will then benotified of the time. So, what do you do then?Get out of the house! Why? Because buyerswant to inspect your home without beingunder your watchful eye. It might be theirfuture home and they want to check it outthoroughly. Some buyers will open cabinets and drawers, sneakpeeks into closets, and turn the water on in the tub or sinks. Theymight flush a toilet or try to open a window here and there. Buyerswill do certain things they might not ordinarily do if they know theowner is in the next room.Potential buyers may have questions about your systems, mechanicals,structure, and many other aspects of the house. They will pose thesequestions to get more information. If you’re looming, the buyer maynot feel entitled to ask about the age of the roof or about the capacity ofthe water heater without seeming too critical. Your presence changesthe complexion of everything. Buyers want to view houses with acritical eye, and a certain degree of detachment. If you’re present, thisjust isn’t possible.Some sellers feel the need to follow the buyers around the home.Theywant so badly to be helpful that they don’t realize that they’re makingthe buyers feel uncomfortable. In reality, your presence might cost youa sale. When buyers are looking at a property, they are consumers,examining the various aspects of each house. A house is a commoditywith a value and a list of features that may or may not appeal to eachbuyer. If you’re present during the showings, the house suddenlybecomes a home, and the buyer becomes an intruder.It’s the same for open houses. You can help by setting up and doingsome prep work, but then you and your family should leave. Take thepets with you as well. Your agent will take care of the rest. The agentknows what to do and will answer questions and provide informationabout the property.If you know you’re a “hands-on” kind of person, then prepare a listthat your agent can hand out to perspective buyers. If you’ve madeimprovements such as a new roof or a new kitchen, your agent canconvey that information to perspective buyers. You don’t need to bepresent to tell each buyer all that you’ve done. Your agent will weighwhat information is important, and when it becomes important.POOPON$10.00 OFFFirst Month of ServiceExp. 02/29/2008There’s no doubt that buying and selling a home can be stressful foreveryone involved. The last thing you want to do as a seller is add tothat stress level. Even though you may think you’re only helping, it’smore likely that you’re not. In today’s market, where buyers andshowings have become scarce, try to make the best of it. Take a breakand use the time to run an errand or take the family out for a bite toeat. Let the buyer check out your home without the additionalburden of your presence. Your efforts NOT to be home will go a longway to selling your house more quickly!Bill Fitzsimmons, ABR, CLHMS, is a broker with RE/MAX ParkCreekin Coconut Creek and is president of the Flag Football League inParkland.50 FEBRUARY 2008