Open Homes – And Why Your Agent Suggests You’re Not There

Home inspections can be private or open. An open home inspection is usually conducted on weekends when buyers are out and about. As the name implies, your home will be open to the general public. Your real estate agent will be at your home throughout the day to answer questions and take leads.

There are pros and cons to open homes. Showing your home to the widest number of potential buyers can help you sell your home faster and fetch a better price. However, you need to take precautions because anyone can enter your home. You and your real estate agent may not know what their real intentions may be.

You should leave your property during an open home to provide buyers with a comfortable and private environment, allowing them to openly assess the property, reveal their true feelings, and feel at ease without the seller present. It also removes the potential for buyers to feel rushed or uncomfortable, which can deter them from making an offer. 

Why leaving is beneficial for potential buyers:

Comfort and freedom to explore: Buyers are more likely to feel comfortable opening cupboards, drawers, and other personal spaces when the owner is not there, enabling them to get a better sense of the property. 

Honest appraisal: Without the seller present, buyers are less likely to feel inhibited or embarrassed and can more honestly discuss their positive and negative impressions of the property. 

Reduced pressure: The presence of the seller can make potential buyers feel rushed or uncomfortable, leading them to leave the property quickly without properly considering it. 

Peace of mind for sellers: It can be intimidating for sellers to invite strangers into their private space. 

Security: You should remove valuables and sensitive items to prevent theft or damage, as open homes can attract a large number of people, including those with no intention of buying. 

Agent control: Your real estate agent can best manage the open home process and focus on showcasing the property effectively, including greeting visitors and recording their details for follow-up. 

If you want to be on your property, they can’t stop you, but it is not advised. If you are insistent, here are a few tips: 

You don’t want to be too pushy during an open inspection. Be available, but let people approach you

You can show interested parties how a room in the house can be repurposed. For example, if you use a spare bedroom as a home office, you can point out that it was originally a bedroom

You can get valuable feedback from potential buyers. They may have questions or a complaint about your home. Thank them for their feedback rather than go on the defensive.

Bottom line is: your agent has the experience to `sell’ your home to potential buyers in a positive and less-intimidating atmosphere should you be in attendance. Trust your agent – because they have put their trust in you to have your home ready for inspection to the buying public.

You can check out some of the Highlands best Open Homes each week on The Fold.