The Importance of Accessibility in the Sale of Your Home

As you prepare to sell your house this spring, one of the initial discussions you'll have with your agent will revolve around the level of access you are willing to provide to potential buyers. It's crucial to understand the significance of ensuring your property is easily accessible for tours.

Given that spring is the prime season for homebuying, maximizing the number of showings for your house can significantly enhance your ability to leverage the heightened buyer interest typically observed during this period.

With increased buyer competition during the spring season, potential buyers will be eager to promptly view your property upon discovering your listing. If they are captivated by your home while aware of competing offers, you are more likely to receive the desired offer for your property.

It's natural to aim for minimal interruptions to your daily routine, and the thought of maintaining cleanliness might be overwhelming, but the effort pays off. As explained in an article from Investopedia:

"To facilitate house viewings, it's essential to accommodate potential buyers, even if it causes inconvenience. Ensure the house is clean and tidy before each visit. Buyers are not concerned about the cleanliness of the house from last week. Although it requires effort, keep your eyes on the ultimate goal."

To determine the most suitable approach for you, your agent will guide you through various options, such as those listed below. This list is organized from what is most accommodating to buyers to options that increasingly prioritize your convenience over the buyers':

• Lockbox on the Door – This option involves placing a key in a lockbox, enabling agents easy access to show the home to interested buyers. It offers the highest level of flexibility, as the key is readily accessible on the property.
• Providing a Key to the Home – In this scenario, an agent would need to visit an office to collect the key. While this method still facilitates easy showings, it is not as straightforward as having a lockbox.
• Open Access with a Phone Call – This option permits showings to be arranged with merely a phone call in advance, catering well to individuals who discover your house while passing by.
• By Appointment Only – This approach provides you with more notice, allowing time to clean up the house and ensure you have an alternative place to be. However, it is somewhat more limiting.
• Limited Access – Choosing this option means your house will only be open for showings on selected days or during particular times. It's important to understand that this is the most challenging and least accommodating option available.

According to an article from U.S. News Real Estate:

"Buyers prefer viewing homes at their convenience, typically during evenings and weekends. They also wish to tour a home shortly after discovering it online, particularly in competitive buying situations. Allowing your home to be shown with minimal or no advance notice increases the likelihood of more potential buyers visiting. However, if you insist on a 24-hour notice, they might decide to bypass your home entirely."

Your agent will assist in identifying the best approach for you, taking into account your availability and strategies successful for other sellers in your region. Should you have strict limits on providing greater access to buyers or if there are potential buyers from out of town unable to visit in person, your agent will think outside the box. They'll introduce alternative solutions such as video tours, virtual showings, among others.

Bottom Line

In the process of selling your home, maximizing buyer interest is crucial. Engage with a local real estate agent to discuss how different access levels can facilitate this goal.