This is not something that happens very often, but when it does happen it makes you realize just how much you don’t like it to when it does. Why sellers don’t leave their house when another agent is showing it to potential buyers is beyond me. It’s possible that the listing agent didn’t explain this to the sellers. It’ possible that the listing agent did, but the sellers for whatever reason don’t care, or simply don’t understand why exactly, they should leave?
Here are the top 3 reasons why sellers should leave when their house is being shown, in order of priority.
1) It’s awkward and uncomfortable. No buyer likes to walk through a house that they are thinking of buying and have the seller following them and watching every move they make. The only correlation I can give you (and please pardon my bluntness) is that it’s almost like having a complete stranger watch you go to the bathroom. Even if the seller doesn’t follow the buyers through every room, their very presence almost makes the buyer feel like an invader. There’s simply no other way to put it. People are inherently emotional, and there’s a good chance that buyer is going to remember the feeling they got when in that house rather than the actual upgrades and benefits it offered. Don’t let the feelings for potential buyers be bad ones.
2) You the seller can’t “sell” the buyers on the house like the actual house itself can! If a buyer places an offer on the house and it's accepted then they will want to hear about all the wonderful features the house has to offer. NOT before hand….trust me.
3) They can’t see and visualize themselves living there when you are….right then and while they're looking. I once showed a property where the owner’s teenage son and his friend were in the middle of watching a movie and eating while we where viewing the property. All the lights were turned off, the curtains and shades were drawn. I was almost surprised when he didn’t tell us to move out of the way as we walked in front of the TV to get to the back door. Buyer’s need to be able to visualize and mentally place themselves living in the home. I’ve almost had buyers not want to see a property just because the sellers were present.
You’ll be doing yourself a big favor if you leave the house when it’s being shown to buyers. I know it’s inconvenient and a pain in the butt, selling a home usually is. By giving buyers a pleasant and welcoming experience and privacy while looking will mean more offers coming your way, and coming your way faster.
Jessica Touchton-Buyer's Agent w/ The Landry Team Keller Williams Realty