Last weekend, I was showing properties to everyone’s perfect buyer: pre-approved for a mortgage (1), renting a home (2), and can move anytime (3)! The “triple crown” of buyers! I spent about 30 minutes placing calls to the various agencies setting up appointments, only to find one required 48 hour notice. The company that sets up the showings refused to call the seller to ask if it was alright to show the house. I persisted and called the listing agent directly who was able to get us in the door. I had almost given up. What was that seller thinking demanding 48 hour notice?

In 2002, a sellers’ market, I moved my family from Peekskill to Fishkill, both small towns located in New York. I sold my condo in about three weeks. Even during that short time, always cleaning the unit, and then having to leave with our 100-pound Labrador retriever for showings was stressful to say the least. So I am indeed empathetic when sellers ask for some notice when buyers want to view their house.

Sellers are in rough seas in 2010. Most agents truly understand what is involved in placing your property on the market and having total strangers walking through your bedrooms when you are not there. We all know there are times when you or the kids may be sick and the house cannot be shown. When it takes months to sell a house, being flexible and having the patience of a saint is essential. You will be rewarded with a faster sale and, possibly, a better price.

Posted by:  Tammy Benkwitt