Get Ready for Showings: What Every Home Seller Needs to Know
Showings are your home's audition. Here's how to make sure it gets a standing ovation — every time.
Once your home hits the market, the showing process begins... and how you prepare for it can make a real difference in how quickly you sell and for how much. We'll have a thorough conversation about what to expect from showings so there are no surprises.
Here's a rundown of everything you need to know:How showings are scheduled
All showings are managed through Broker Bay, our showing service. Agents are required to register their appointments through the system. This creates an official record of every showing.
The lockbox on your door is a Supra box that records the exact time and duration the key was removed. Agents are responsible for securing your property when they leave.
Lockbox hours:
Occupied vs. vacant homes
You control your showing schedule. You'll receive a notification by text, email, or phone (most sellers prefer text) with the requested date and time. You must reply Y to confirm. If you don't respond, the showing service will follow up with a call. Showings cannot proceed until you approve them.
No approval required. You'll be notified every time an agent registers an appointment, but access is automatic during lockbox hours.
Please be absent during showings
This one matters more than most sellers realize. It's perfectly fine to leave when the agent and buyers arrive, but please don't interact with them about the home's specifics. You can answer a quick "how does this door lock?" but beyond that, step away.
Buyers need space to bond with a home. When sellers are present, buyers feel rushed and uncomfortable sharing their honest reactions. Give them room to picture themselves living there. That's when the magic happens is when buyers feel like they can speak openly and freely about their lifestyle and imagining themselves living there.
Secure your valuables before day one
Before showings begin, safely store or remove the following from your property entirely:
· Pets · Firearms · Medications · Jewelry · Financial Documents · Cash & Coins · Irreplaceable Items
The listing agent is responsible for the real property (the home and land). Keeping personal valuables secure is the seller's responsibility. Don't leave it to chance.
Never allow unescorted access
Do not allow anyone into your home who has not scheduled a registered appointment through the showing service. No exceptions. I don't care how sweet of a family they looked like. Cars may drive by slowly and people may approach you directly and ask to see inside. Direct them to call their agent, or call me, and we'll get them scheduled properly.
Want things left a certain way?
If you have specific preferences for how your home should be left after showings (lights on or off, doors open, thermostats set to a certain temp). let me know and I'll have a sign made for it. Most agents will follow the posted instructions.
A note on cameras and showing technology
With today's technology, it's reasonable to assume cameras are present in most homes. If you have video surveillance, I'll post a sign notifying guests they're being recorded (this is a legal requirement in Texas).
On my end, I can see how long each buyer toured your home and whether any showings were approved or declined. Transparency goes both ways.Up Next: Get Ready for Inspections
Showings went great — now let's make sure your home is inspection-ready. Here's the full checklist of what Texas home inspectors look for, so you can get ahead of it before they arrive.
Prepare for Your Inspection →Grapevine, TX · 972-965-0657 · [email protected]
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