Why Access Is So Important When Selling Your House
If you’re preparing to list your home for sale this spring, one of the initial discussions with your real estate agent will revolve around the level of access you’re comfortable providing to potential buyers. The significance of making your home easily accessible might not be immediately apparent, but it plays a crucial role in optimizing your selling opportunities.
Spring marks the peak of the homebuying season, making it advantageous to open your doors to a wide range of showings. Doing so can greatly enhance your ability to capitalize on the heightened buyer activity characteristic of this time of year. As an article from Investopedia explains:
“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.”
To determine the most suitable option for your needs, your real estate agent will guide you through choices outlined below. This list categorizes the options based on buyer convenience, starting with the most accommodating and gradually becoming less buyer-centric:
- Lockbox on the Door: A key is accessible through a lockbox, providing agents with the convenience of easily showcasing the home to potential buyers. This option offers maximum flexibility as the key is readily available on-site.
- Providing a Key to the Home: Under this arrangement, an agent needs to visit an office to retrieve the key. While still convenient for showings, it adds a slight layer of complexity compared to the lockbox option.
- Open Access with a Phone Call: This option allows for showings with just a phone call’s notice, catering to individuals who may spot your house while driving by. It offers a good balance of convenience and spontaneity.
- By Appointment Only: Opting for appointments provides you with advanced notice, allowing time to tidy up the house and make arrangements for an alternative location during showings. However, it introduces a higher level of restriction.
- Limited Access: This choice is suitable if you prefer to make your house available only on specific days or at particular times. However, be aware that this is the most challenging and least flexible among the options.
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 real estate agent will assist you in identifying the best approach tailored to your schedule and in alignment with successful strategies employed by other sellers in your area. If you firmly stand on providing increased access to buyers or if there are potential buyers from out of town who cannot be physically present, your agent will employ innovative solutions. They will explore alternatives such as video tours, virtual showings, and other creative methods to accommodate your specific preferences and circumstances.
Bottom Line
When it comes to selling your house, you want to be sure to get as much buyer activity as you can. Let’s connect to talk about which level of access helps make that possible.
