If you’re thinking of buying a home then get used to being scrutinized – and not just by your bank. How you present yourself can really make a difference to sellers. These unwritten rules of etiquette could be the difference between getting the home of your dreams and being told “in your dreams,” according to a Realtor.com report.
Get loan preapproval. Speak with your lender before you start looking at houses. Nobody wants to be inconvenienced, especially sellers. Having strangers traipse through your house is unsettling and can be stressful. Make sure you know what is a reality in your price range, and don’t waste anyone’s time kicking tires.
Respect people’s time. If you have an appointment with your own agent, be on time so you both can be on time to scheduled showings. This goes back to how irritating it is to be inconvenienced. Everyone is busy, and if other people can find a way to be on time, then you can, too. It shows respect and is a common courtesy. Call if you are running a few minutes late and reschedule if you are going to be very late.
Remove shoes. Selling a house is hard work. Keeping it picture perfect takes time. Treat someone else’s home as good or better than you would treat your own. Weekends are busy with showings, and if you track dirt into a house it will not look as nice for the next potential buyer.
Don’t bring an entourage. Only the people directly involved in the transaction should go on showings. Sometimes it is nice to have multiple opinions, but so many cooks in the kitchen can make life-changing decisions even more difficult. And don’t bring children, if at all possible. If you have to bring them, make sure they are tended to at all times and not touching personal belongings or leaving smudgy fingerprints anywhere.
Ask if it is OK to take pictures. It sounds silly, because of course you want to show the entourage you couldn’t bring all the great things you saw. But there are privacy issues. If the house is vacant then it is probably fine, but in an occupied house there are personal effects and pictures likely to make it into your pictures. Don’t post a picture of the massive safe in the master closet to social media, for example. Use common sense even if you do get permission.
Don’t overstay your welcome. According to the Realtor.com report, 15-30 minutes is acceptable for a first showing. If you have narrowed your choices then you can ask for a second visit.
And lastly, don’t make multiple unnecessary visits. Up to three visits before writing an offer is acceptable, according to Realtor.com, but each visit is an inconvenience. An inspection period gives you time to bring professionals in. An offer shows the seller you are serious and makes them more amenable to giving you access to the house.
While the wintery weather is keeping you home, find your perfect Queen City home and put these rules to the test!