Showing your home safely

Scheduling, screening callers, what to do during a showing, and getting feedback.

Scheduling

Get the caller’s full name and phone number before you book, and ask whether they’re working with an agent and are pre-approved or paying cash.
Text a confirmation with the time and address the day before.
Group showings close together when you can. It’s easier for you and creates a little urgency.

Have someone else home with you, or let someone know who is coming and when.
Lock up valuables, prescriptions, mail, keys and anything with personal information.
Let the visitor walk ahead of you, and keep your phone with you.
It’s fine to ask an unaccompanied visitor for ID, or to reschedule anyone who makes you uncomfortable.

Set your own code, put a spare house key inside, and hang it on the front door handle or a nearby railing.
Give the code to a buyer’s agent when they book a showing, not in your MLS listing or ads. You can change the code any time.
Change the code after a busy weekend of showings, and again once you’re under contract.
Inspectors and appraisers use the lockbox after you’re under contract. At the final walk-through, the buyer’s agent takes the key out for closing.

Open blinds, turn on lights, set a comfortable temperature, and take pets out if you can.
Give buyers room to talk. Answer questions honestly, point out recent updates, and don’t follow them room to room.
If a buyer’s agent is showing, step outside or into another room and let them work.
Afterwards, ask for feedback: what they liked, what gave them pause, and whether price came up.