I could write a book about experiences over the years when showing homes to potential buyers. One that really sticks in my mind was the time a couple called as they were sitting right in front of one of my listings. I believe in listing appointments, but I won't ruin a chance to show a property either, by putting the potential buyer off.
This particular weekend, the sellers were out of town and being good sellers, they listened to my advise by letting me know when they would be gone so I could know how to plan. So I get a call, buyers want to see the house asap. "We are sitting in front of this house and we would like to see it right now, if we can." My reply "give me a a few minutes, I will need some time to locate the sellers and I will meet you right away." I ask them to maybe go to a convenience store and get a drink or something as it may be a while before I contact the sellers for permission to show.
What I was doing was delaying a bit so I could go look at the condition of the house before letting the potential buyers in. So, knowing they were out of town, I did a quick call to the home, with no answer I ran over there to check it out. I was so glad I did as there was large clumps of dog hair everywhere and upon further investigation I found the cat had been sick in a couple of places as well.
I had done most of my showings on this property during the week, so the sellers took off thinking I rarely show it on weekends so they were good to leave the house in that "lived in look". Of course, they didn't leave the cat mess, that happened after they left, but there was an untidy kitchen and some trash I hauled out to the trash can. I cleaned up the cat mess, dusted and vacuumed and lit a candle.
Called the buyers back and told them to come on over. They were there in 5 minutes and praised me for letting them look on such a short notice.
Long story short, when the sellers came back they had a contract on their coffee table. They called me excited about the offer and excited the house looked so good.
They told each other when they left for the weekend "I hope Mary doesn't get any calls to show our house this weekend as we left it in a mess".
We laughed as I told them the story of the added cat mess and all I did to make it presentable.
Their reply......."WOW"........"Thanks!"
It paid off.
Buyers had seen the property online at www.realtor.com and thought if it looked anything like it does online they are already sold. It did! They were!
Yep, quick...that's how I roll. lol
Mary Welch Broker/Owner Preferred Choice Realty of Harper, Kansas
Member Harper City Council
Member Harper County Economic Development
Member Wichita Area Association of REALTORS, Kansas Association of REALTORS, National Association of REALTORS
You have many choices in real estate...make a wise one!