When it comes to selling a home, one question often arises: should sellers be present during showings? According to several real estate agents, the consensus is clear: sellers should generally refrain from being home while potential buyers tour the property.
Rich Rubba, branch manager and associate broker with Real Estate One in Sterling Heights, emphasizes the importance of creating a comfortable environment for buyers. “Other than cases where the seller has mobility issues, I recommend that they not be home during showings,” he states. Rubba points out that the presence of sellers can inhibit buyers from expressing their true feelings about the home, potentially leading to rushed decisions.
Jan Kellogg, also with Real Estate One in Livingston County, concurs. She advises sellers to remain absent unless there are security concerns. “Buyers feel more comfortable touring when the seller isn’t present,” she explains. Kellogg further stresses that home tours should be left to the professionals, allowing agents to guide the experience without the added pressure of the seller’s presence.
The issue of seller presence is not only about comfort but also about the dynamics of the showing itself. Dan Gutfreund, an agent with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty in Birmingham, provides a straightforward perspective: “Definitely not. Buyers need space to explore and envision themselves living there.” Gutfreund highlights that when sellers are around, it can create an atmosphere that feels rushed or awkward, deterring potential buyers from fully engaging with the property.
For those sellers who find it necessary to be present, Nathan Boji, associate broker and vice president at Re/Max Classic in Farmington Hills, suggests a more strategic approach. “If you absolutely must be there, stay out of the way, step outside or into another room,” he advises. Ideally, Boji says, sellers should allow buyers to explore the home independently, which can foster a more genuine connection to the space.
Jessica Belanger, an associate broker at Re/Max Advisors in Macomb County, is unequivocal in her advice: “Absolutely not. Buyers want uninterrupted time to tour the home.” She notes that longer, more comfortable tours typically correlate with a higher likelihood of receiving offers.
The bottom line is clear: sellers are encouraged to step away during showings to enhance the likelihood of a successful sale. Giving buyers the freedom to navigate the home without the seller’s presence not only improves their comfort but also increases the chances of receiving an offer.
For those with further inquiries about real estate practices, Brendel Clark of the Detroit Free Press invites readers to submit their questions via email at [email protected]. This initiative aims to provide expert insights into common real estate dilemmas faced by buyers and sellers alike.
In summary, the advice from industry professionals is consistent—sellers should prioritize creating a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers by allowing them the space to connect with the property on their own terms.
