Real Estate Investing Guide: Property Showing Tips
Property showings can be a challenging and frustrating experience if you’re not doing it right. It is in your best interest to present your property in the best possible light to ensure the buyer or the tenant decides to sign a lease with you. Here are some tips on how you can take your property showings to the next level!
#1 Make Sure the Property is Clean
Before the actual showing, make sure the property is clean and tidy. You don’t want buyers to walk in and see piles of clothes, papers, and cluttered items on counters, tabletops, and furniture. Besides tidying up the items around the house, make sure to also clean the ceilings and corners to remove any dead bugs or cobwebs that might have collected over time. The floors should also be sparkling clean, as this is one thing your buyers are going to pay a lot of attention to.
#2 Leave a Good First Impression
In order to leave a good impression from the very start, work on the curb appeal of your real estate property. Pay attention to the front porch and the landscaping, as this will catch your buyer’s eye right away. Take regular care of the lawn and any plants that may be planted around the property. Moreover, make sure there are no yard tools lying around when the buyers arrive. One more thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t expect the buyer to take off their shoes, unless their religious or cultural reasons mandate it.
#3 Don’t Pressure the Buyer
One thing you should never do is pressure the buyer to make a decision. Let them know that they can take the time they need and, if that requires extra flexibility on your end, you will be happy to provide that. Once you’re done showing them around, make sure to leave the property and give the buyers some space. You will probably feel like you need to be there and follow every step of the way to answer their questions or jump in with comments and salesy jargon. However, it is best to give the buyers some space to look around and discuss the property with one another in private. That way, you won’t come off as too pushy and they will be able to make the decision more easily.
#4 Lighten Up the Space
One more thing you can do to boost the appeal of the property is to lighten up the space a bit. Turn on all the lights in the property, whether those are lamps or overhead lights. Good lighting will make the space feel warmer and more appealing, which will leave an impact on the potential buyers. If you’re doing the showing during daytime, put an emphasis on natural light over artificial ones. Open all the curtains and raise the blinds to let in as much light as possible. Keep the TV and other appliances off during the showing, as this can be distracting.
Additional Tips:
Make sure Tenants have notice and let them know your showing schedule (Tell, don't ask permission) Ask them to tidy up as much as possible so the showings go as well as possible.
Send application form and lease ahead of time so they have ample time to fill them out or review.
Confirm your appointments the night before or day of.
Keep showings 20min apart. Shorter does not give enough time. 30min is too much.
Bring a clipboard. Print off the kijiji responses or any sheets that you have made notes with. It will make your day easier when everything is with you. Looks professional too!
Arrive early for showings. Turn on all lights, open all windows.
Spend some time outside with them before taking them inside to get to know them a bit. Ask them if they brought their proof of income.
Spend time with them after the showing in the driveway and ask them for their honest thoughts. If they say they are interested and you feel they are interested too, let them know that you will review their application as soon as possible. If they are chosen, they will need to send in a deposit and then sign a lease.