Guide to Showing Properties

Prior to Showing Properties

• Make sure that you have done a buyer consultation with the clients so that you know the difference between their needs & desires.  We don't want to waste your time or theirs looking at the wrong properties.

• Make sure they are pre-approved or have a proof of funds for cash

• Explain Buyer Representation and obtain an agreement

• Find out if your clients have any type of pet allergies that you should be aware of 

• Make sure you have the lockbox and alarm info for all properties.  Make sure you know how to work the alarm.  If showing in CT make sure your lockbox key is updated

• Offer a Virtual Showing if they can not attend in person 

• Group showings for maximum efficiency.  As you gain a comfort level with each client you will know how long they take per property).  Consider using Showing Cart by Showing Time.  Watch the video below for a quick video on how to use this feature.

• If you are unfamiliar with the area scope out the route first.  You can't always rely on GPS. 

• Train Tracks - If you don’t know the area well, make sure you look at a bird’s eye map view to consider local tracks

• Check our THIS guide on how to WOW your client 

Scheduling the Showing 

• Showing instructions will be in the listing. Please see the Office/Agent information section under showing instructions for Buyers agent. 

• Check the special showing instructions to understand how that list agent would like to be reached : i.e via text/call/ email.

• Some listings will use a showing service. Here is a Guide to showing properties in Showingtime 

Showing Properties

**IF YOU ARE MEETING SOMEONE FOR THE FIRST TIME AT A PROPERTY DON'T GO ALONE.  GET THEM TO MEET YOU SOMEWHERE IN PUBLIC FIRST (IE LOCAL COFFEE SHOP)

You are NEVER to give the lock box combination to anyone! Buyers, inspectors, contractors should ALWAYS be accompanied by an agent!

• Explain that you are on a schedule and need to respect the times of all sellers involved.  Keep them on track without rushing them

• Let your buyers know that its okay to say NO on Drive-up

• Have a one page MLS sheet (without the other agent’s info) for your clients to take with them.

• Knock on the entry door Before Entering in Case the Owner Is Home

• Announce yourself upon entering a vacant home “Hi Its x from ROVI is anyone home”

• Knock on any interior doors before entering

• Be careful with pets in a home.  Make sure they are leashed or caged at all times

• Let the clients make their own opinion of the home.  What you think is unattractive might be beautiful to them.  Watch the 3 min. video below from Tom Ferry about questions to ask when you're showing homes.

• Point out unique features, show your knowledge of mechanicals when appropriate

• DON’T TRY AND SELL THEM A HOME, JUST GUIDE THEM THROUGH THE PROCESS OF BUYING

• Leave the home exactly as you found it (unless the listing agent has asked you to do something ie turn off the lights when you leave)

• Ask for the offer - Unless the clients were clearly not interested in the home always ask “Could you see yourself living here”  or “Would you consider writing an offer on this one”  If you don’t ask you dont know and some buyers are nervous about the offer writing process they don’t realize how easy it truly is.

• Review the Day's Showings and Ask Questions, Talk about next steps

  • Offers, additional properties to see, expanding the search criteria - Go Beyond Their Stated Needs and Look for Alternative Solutions
    
    

• Provide Feedback to Listing agent through Showing time is applicable 

  • Send a video text to the listing agent after showing, thanking them and giving feedback