The benefits of show days, what you should expect from your agent and how to prepare

Show days can be a valuable tool for sellers looking to attract potential buyers and sell their homes quickly and efficiently as they are designed to showcase your property to potential buyers, allowing them to see the space for themselves and get a sense of what it would be like to live there.

Show days offer numerous benefits:

• One of the biggest advantages of show days is that they allow you to reach a large number of potential buyers in a short amount of time. Rather than scheduling individual viewings, show days enable you to open your home to anyone who is interested in seeing it.
• Show days create a sense of urgency among potential buyers, which can motivate them to make an offer before someone else does. This can lead to a faster sale and a better price for your property.
• They give sellers an opportunity to showcase their property in the best possible light. By properly preparing the home for showings, sellers can make their property more appealing to potential buyers, which can help them stand out in a competitive market.

The agent’s role

However, show days can also be a source of stress for sellers, particularly if they are not prepared for what to expect and this is where an experienced real estate agent can be invaluable as they will help sellers prepare their home for showings, market the property effectively, and manage the logistics of show days.

When working with a real estate agent, sellers should expect the agent to handle many of the details related to show days. This may include:

• Creating marketing materials to promote the event,
• Coordinating with other agents and potential buyers,
• Managing the flow of traffic during the event.
• Provide sellers with feedback from potential buyers, which can be valuable in making adjustments to the property or pricing strategy.

To ensure a successful show day, it's important for sellers to communicate openly with their agent and be prepared to make necessary adjustments based on feedback. This may involve making additional repairs or upgrades to the property, adjusting the asking price, or making changes to the marketing strategy.

Pricing

It's also important for sellers to be realistic about their expectations for show days. While show days can generate a lot of interest in a property, not every potential buyer who attends will be a serious contender.

Additionally, some sellers may receive lowball offers or no offers at all, which can be discouraging. However, it's important to remember that show days are just one tool in the seller's toolbox, and that there are many other strategies that can be used to sell a property, such as online listings, private showings, and targeted marketing.

Preparation

When it comes to selling your home, one of the most important steps is preparing your property for showings. A well-organised and visually appealing home can attract more potential buyers and increase the chances of a successful sale.

To ensure that your show house is successful, it’s important to prepare your home properly. Here are some tips to help you get ready for show days:

• Declutter and clean: A cluttered and dirty home can be a major turnoff for potential buyers. Spring clean and tidy before the show day and get rid of any unnecessary items and ensure that everything is in its proper place.
• Fix any repairs: Make sure all minor repairs have been taken care of, such as leaky faucets, peeling paint or loose doorknobs. Buyers are often looking for a turnkey home and small repairs can make a big difference.
• Stage your home: Staging your home can help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. If you aren’t creative and your budget runs to it, consider hiring a professional stager or do some research online to get ideas for how to best stage your home.
• Create a welcoming atmosphere: Make sure your home feels welcoming and inviting. Consider adding fresh flowers or some soft music to create a relaxing atmosphere.
• Be flexible: Try to be as flexible as possible with your schedule to accommodate potential buyers. If a buyer wants to see your home at an inconvenient time, consider making an exception if it's possible.
• Leave your home during showings: Buyers often feel uncomfortable looking around a home while the owner is present. It's best to leave the home during showings and allow the buyer to explore on their own.

By properly preparing the property for showings and working with a good real estate agent, sellers can make the most of this opportunity and generate interest in their property. While show days can be stressful, with the right preparation and expectations, they can also be a rewarding experience for sellers looking to move on to their next chapter.