| One of the most daunting tasks any "for sale | | | | appointments on the same day and in 15 to 20 |
| by owner" home seller is faced with is the | | | | minute intervals. One potential buyer will be |
| showings. When you don't have a realtor to | | | | walking in the door just as another is |
| insulate you (the seller) from the potential | | | | leaving. This will create a feeling of |
| buyer, things can get a bit sticky. | | | | urgency in your prospects. They won't want to |
| | | | loose the home to the nice couple that came |
| Of course, before any of that comes about, | | | | out ahead of them or those that came in after |
| you must do your research and price your home | | | | them. Remember, you have to work the angles |
| appropriately as well as advertise it in the | | | | if you want to compete with the realtor |
| right places to attract potential buyers. | | | | selling down the street. |
| One thing you must do is come up with a data | | | | |
| sheet of sorts on the house, one that lists | | | | Also, it's not in your best interest to waste |
| the particulars such as number of bedrooms, | | | | time showing the house to people whose needs |
| type of house etc.. You should also make | | | | it really doesn't serve. Try to get as much |
| sure you list any flaws or problems that you | | | | information from the caller as possible and |
| are required by law to reveal. | | | | try not to be too put off by the caller's |
| | | | phone manner, they may be nervous or hate |
| Once that is all done you are ready to show | | | | talking on the phone. Ask them what exactly |
| that house, or are you? | | | | they are looking for and the price range. If |
| | | | you know they wouldn't be interested or can't |
| The first part to showing the house, of | | | | afford it (perhaps they are downsizing and |
| course is getting a call from a prospective | | | | you're selling a three bedroom home) you |
| buyer. If you only have one line then sign | | | | shouldn't bother booking an appointment. |
| up for the call waiting feature from your | | | | |
| telephone company. Instruct everyone in the | | | | Find out if they are currently selling a |
| household to take calls that come through and | | | | home or renting. When do they need to move in |
| pass on to you any calls for inquiries on the | | | | and have they already been approved for a |
| house. | | | | mortgage? If they haven't been pre-qualified |
| | | | you might ask questions about where they |
| Once you get a call, try to take it in a | | | | work, how long they've been looking for a |
| quiet area of the home an have all your | | | | place, etc. Be very tactful and |
| information in front of you. Have your | | | | conversational. You don't want to interrogate |
| feature list handy to answer any of their | | | | them, but you don't want to waste your time |
| questions and have a list of your own. Make | | | | if they have no way to afford buying the |
| sure you put a calendar in a handy spot to | | | | home. |
| book appointments. If you do make an | | | | |
| appointment for a showing, be sure to get | | | | In some cases you will find that these few |
| their name and number in case something comes | | | | comments may weed out some who are not |
| up and you have to cancel. | | | | reasonably able to work with you. This will |
| | | | avoid the exasperation and disappointment of |
| If your home has been viewed before, you | | | | showing your home too many times to unlikely |
| might want to let them know there are other | | | | buyers. However, in most cases you will want |
| parties interested to create a sense of | | | | to encourage a viewing so keep their answers |
| urgency. Also mention if you are having an | | | | for referral later. |
| open house since the added traffic will make | | | | |
| your home more desirable. | | | | Remember, the appearance of your home will |
| | | | leave a lasting impression on potential |
| Before each showing, you will have to get | | | | buyers so it is vital to have it in pristine |
| your house into tip top shape. That means it | | | | condition when they arrive. It doesn't hurt |
| should be spotlessly clean and all clutter | | | | to have a nice batch of cookies baking or |
| put away. No kids toys in the yard and the | | | | some aromatic coffee brewing. Turn on some |
| kids and pets should be sent somewhere else | | | | ambient lighting, light the fireplace and |
| for the duration of the showing. For this | | | | make sure the house looks it's best for a |
| reason, it is most convenient to book | | | | sure sale! |