What is a showing and how do I prepare for it?
No one will buy a property sight unseen. Once your agent has raised the interest of a potential buyer, that buyer will want to look at the condominium. Typically this is called a showing. Following are tips to ensure your potential buyer will have a positive impression of your property
- Ensure your condominium is clean and tidy. Refer to our pre-sales checklist.
- Make it easy on an agent – the more agents who show your property the higher the odds of getting an offer fast. Be flexible when an agent calls you at all hours to show the property and use a lockbox so they can gain entrance easily.
- Get Lost – Having an owner in the property during a showing can make a potential buyer uncomfortable. You want them to feel at home so they will make an offer
- Get use to living in a fishbowl – Similar to tip 2 – be flexible and put up with the inconvenience of disappearing for an hour at the drop of a hat when an agent calls to show your condominium to a buyer
- Have your condominium information readily accessible for a buyer pick up. This information should include the listing sheet, condominium documents (below) and your agents’ card.
The Listing Sheet
The listing sheet is a key tool for buyers. It lists all of the specifics about your condominium. You want your listing sheet to include as much important information as possible with photographs. Your listing agent will put the listing sheet together.
Here is a recommend list of information to include on your listing sheet:
- Full street address with Postal code;
- Number of bedrooms
- Number of bathrooms
- Total square footage
- Floor plan
- Direction of any decks and description of view
- Common area amenities, such as tennis courts, pools, gardens, etc.;
- Special features of your condo - new kitchen, whirlpool bath, fireplace
- Central air and heating
- List of appliances that will be staying in the property
- School district
- Description of parking and storage areas
- Security information, such as 24-hour doorman or gated entry
- Amount of monthly assessments
- Amount of real estate taxes
Documentation:
You want to provide as much information as possible in the first showing so your potential buyer can make an informed decision and will not waste time by asking your agent for additional information. It is a good idea to provide the following information along with the listing sheet.
- Association bylaws
- Association financial statement
- Building insurance policy
- Any property disclosures
