The question of whether sellers should remain in their homes during showings has been addressed by local real estate experts, who overwhelmingly advise against it. This guidance comes as part of an ongoing effort by the Detroit Free Press to provide insights into common real estate queries faced by buyers and sellers in the Detroit metropolitan area.
According to numerous agents, being present during a showing can hinder potential buyers from feeling at ease. Rich Rubba, branch manager and associate broker with Real Estate One in Sterling Heights, stated, “Other than cases where the seller has mobility issues, I recommend that they not be home during showings.” He emphasized that buyers may refrain from expressing their genuine opinions about the property if the owner is present, which can lead to a rushed and uncomfortable experience.
Comfort Is Key for Potential Buyers
The consensus among agents is that the absence of sellers allows buyers to fully immerse themselves in the home. Jan Kellogg, another expert from Real Estate One in Livingston County, echoed this sentiment, noting, “Unless there’s a security concern, sellers are advised not to be home during showings.” She highlighted that a showing is best left to professionals, ensuring that buyers feel comfortable to explore without reservation.
For Dan Gutfreund, an agent with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty in Birmingham, the message is clear: sellers should definitely not be present. He remarked, “Buyers need space to explore and envision themselves living there. When sellers are present, it can make the showing feel rushed or awkward.”
Advising Sellers to Step Aside
Real estate professionals further advise that if a seller finds it absolutely necessary to be present, they should make an effort to remain unobtrusive. Nathan Boji, associate broker and vice president at Re/Max Classic in Farmington Hills, suggested that sellers step outside or into another room to allow buyers and their agents the freedom to converse openly and evaluate the property comfortably.
Another agent, Jessica Belanger from Re/Max Advisors in Macomb County, firmly stated, “Absolutely not. Buyers want uninterrupted time to tour the home.” She pointed out that longer and more relaxed tours can lead to increased offers, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming environment for prospective buyers.
In conclusion, the prevailing advice from real estate agents is straightforward: sellers should ideally remove themselves from their homes during showings. This approach not only fosters a more comfortable atmosphere for buyers but also enhances the likelihood of receiving offers.
For those with further questions about the real estate process, inquiries can be directed to [email protected], where they may be featured in a future column.
This article is part of the Detroit Free Press’s commitment to delivering valuable insights into real estate and other topics relevant to the community.