Don't be Home During Showings

   Prospective homebuyers will be uncomfortable if you're home during a showing, and as a result, might not be as anxious as you'd like about viewing their potential new home in as much detail as they wish. For example, while they'd like to see how big closets are, they may not open closet doors knowing that they'll be looking at your things with you there. They may wonder what kind of shape your floors are in under the area rugs, but won't feel confortable lifting the rug with you there.

    Go shopping or take your children to a movie or a park. If you cannot leave, try to remain in an out of they way area of the house.  Don't volunteer information to the buyers but do answer honestly any questions the Longboat Key real estate agent showing the home may have.

   If you have pets, take them with you during showings if at all possible.

If you have a dog or cat, you don't want your pet running out the front door as the showing Realtor and his clients arrive.  The Realtor will now focus on retrieving your pet instead of showing the home to its best advantage. Second, your pet may get lost or harmed as it runs around.

    If you cannot take your pet with you, ask a neighbor if your cat or dog can stay at their home temporarily. If none of these options work, keep your pet in a penned area in the back yard or use a pet-fence to limit them to someplace like the laundry room and put a sign on the door.