Scottsdale and Metro Phoenix Area Real Estate

Convenience & Availability

It is never 'convenient' to have your house shown. But, you should make an effort to allow for showings if possible. Most agents will attempt to give you at least a couple of hours notice.  However, sometimes a buyer sees the sign in your yard and is interested in viewing your home. If you are not cooperative, it is possible that the potential buyer will skip your home and move on to someone else who is willing to cooperate. The more exposure the faster your home will sell.

• Why Use A Lockbox?

  • A lockbox is a box that stores the listing key. Also known as a keybox, real estate agents hang a lockbox on or near a listing to store house keys.  Lockboxes allow agents to quickly and easily show listings. The keys are handily stored right at the listing, resulting in more showings and quicker sales. Since electronic lockboxes record who's opened them, if something is missing or the cat has been let out, listing agents have an audit trail of who's been in and when. Supra boxes have been instrumental in helping solve thefts. Knowing who's been in also gives the listing agent a marketing tool. Follow up with prospective buyers and find out why they didn't make an offer. Maybe new paint or carpet will make the difference on a written offer. With the ability to customize access hours in an electronic lockbox, day sleepers and latchkey kids needn't be disturbed by agents who might just drop by.

• Why You Should Not be Home
  • Many Homebuyers will feel like intruders if you are home when they visit.  If possible leave the premises during a showing. If you absolutely cannot leave, try to remain in an out of they way area of the house or yard. Do not volunteer any information, but answer any questions the agent may ask.
•  Lighting
  • If possible turn on all the indoor and outdoor lights. This allows for a home impression,  prevents harsh shadows from sunlight and brightens up any dim areas. 
• Fragrances
  • Scented sprays often cause potential buyers to wonder what you are trying to cover up. And, some may be offensive or cause allergic reactions. If you want to have a pleasant aroma in your home, try something natural such as a drop of vanilla on a stove burner or oven. Baking cookies are always a crowd pleaser. If you have pets, attempt to keep them bathed and any hair vacuumed up.
• Pet Control
  • IF you have pets, make sure your listing agent includes that info and any instructions regarding them into the MLS listing. If at all possible take them away with you during a showing appointment. If not, try to keep the pets confined to an area that allows the buyers to adequately view your home without interfering with your pet. You want to prevent buyers from having to deal with the possibility that your pet could escape and get lost.  It is often a confusing time for pets to have strangers in your home when you are not there. Again, make sure that any pet odors or hair is not obvious. Not all buyers are animal lovers.
• The Kitchen Trash
  • Keep the trash cans fresh and as clean as possible.  This may mean that you have to empty the trash more frequently. Trash, especially smelly trash, does not send a positive message to potential buyers.
• Tidiness Counts
  • This is an area that is controllable.  It is recommended that you keep your home clean and clutter free. Don't leave dishes in the sink, or scattered about the house, pick up papers and unnecessary clutter. Remove extra furniture to make your rooms look bigger. Try to keep everything freshly dusted and vacuumed.  You want it to look like a model home.  Buyers like to envision living like that they can live like that.