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Karen Graves, Certified Home Stager/ReDesigner in the OKC area (Artistic Home Staging)

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Rainmaker
4,572,439
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I follow the showing instructions that the listing agent shares in the multiple listing service. If 24 hour advance notice is required, for example, then I schedule accordingly.  

I would expect a home that is on the market for sale to be "show ready" especially during the very important first days on the market.  Again, I follow the guidelines that are listed in the mls.  

I leave a card after showing as that is the procedure in our mls.  As far as lights --- this is typically also noted in the agent only remarks in our mls. 

It's common courtesy to inform the proper parties if one is going to be late or not make a scheduled appointment.  

Apr 13, 2017 02:52 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Some sellers request 24 hour notice others do not. Normally I follow the showing instructions posted by the listing agent . 

Apr 13, 2017 04:50 AM
Rainer
353,865
Jim Cheney
Saint Francis Property Santa Rosa, CA - Santa Rosa, CA
Rincon Valley Realtor 707.494.1055

I follow the MLS instructions as close as possible, and leave the home as I found it.  Yes, I always cancel if we cant make it.  Some times the seller is walking around the neighborhood waiting for you to show up and leave.  

Apr 12, 2017 09:36 PM
Ambassador
5,230,130
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Usually 24-hours unless it's a hot property and as soon as it hits the market, I'm scheduling for 2-4 hours later. 

Apr 12, 2017 08:43 PM
Rainmaker
805,909
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

If I have a lot of homes I am showing then I do the tour up the day before so it is close to 24 hrs +/- a bit. If it is a last minute request then a hour or so. I always leave a card and no I do not turn off the lights in case they have more showings, unless the listing agents requests I do so. If we are unable to make it or running late I let the agent know we can't make it or are running late, no I never feel it's okay to be a no show.

Apr 12, 2017 05:54 PM
Rainmaker
564,494
Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

All showing appts I schedule are through Showing Time.  The listing agent sets the parameters of how much notice is required (usually 24 hrs).  If I will be arriving early or late, I always contact the listing agent as a courtesy.  I leave a business card usually in the kitchen or dining room and leave the lights (and everything else in the home) exactly as it was  when I arrived.

Apr 12, 2017 05:08 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

There can be as many answers to this as there are buyers. With a vacant home, not much notice is needed. I've been know to drive by a home with a buyer who indicates interest in seeing it and seller approves the showing within 10 minutes.  Always leave a card in an occupied house... it's a courtesy to the seller to let them know you were there. I deal with lights as instructed by the showing instructions. 25 years ago I was taught to leave a house in the same condition I found it. And I've followed that rule for 25 years. I don't understand your last question.

Apr 13, 2017 04:28 AM
Rainmaker
396,756
Elisa Uribe Realtor #01427070
Golden Gate Sotheby's International - Berkeley, CA
Opening the Doors to California Homes -East Bay

I try to let them know the day before or the morning before touring. Very rare but on occasion, I am unable to secure the appointment. Did this happen to you recently?

 

Apr 12, 2017 09:47 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Generally seems to depend upon how inpatient the buyer is.

Apr 12, 2017 09:37 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,833
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

As soon as I know I need to show it so it ranges from 2 days to 1 hour.

Apr 12, 2017 09:05 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Sometiimes  I happen to be right around the block and sometimes it is days

Apr 12, 2017 08:40 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Depends on how hot the market is..

Apr 12, 2017 08:32 PM
Ambassador
1,026,993
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

As much time as possible . . . but their house is on the market, it needs to be show-ready at all times

Always leave a card so they know you've been there

Always, always, always, always let them know you're not coming . . . they have prepared their house for guests. Very rude for the guests to not show up with no notice. 

10 Commandments for Sellers

Apr 12, 2017 06:55 PM
Rainmaker
809,829
Bob Force (REALTOR®)
Weichert Realtors - Aspen Hill - Mount Airy, MD
The FORCE in Maryland Real Estate

I too make arrangements via ShoingTime, do follow exit procedures and provide feed back. Is somecases the feedback is not the greatest based on condition of home. The worst I find to be those on the market in excess of the median DOMP.

Apr 12, 2017 05:49 PM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Maria Sapio said it well.

Apr 12, 2017 05:36 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

If you represent a buyer, I strongly suggest to read MLS ''showing instructions''. If the seller requested 24048 hours appointment, this is what you do.  No need to think, just find the most convenient time to combine LA instructions and your client schedule. 

Apr 12, 2017 05:33 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

we discuss those parameters of time at the listing presentation.... we always leave the property as it was when we entered the home...if all lights are shining brightly, that continues after we leave....and if the appointment is not going to happen, I would call the agent asap....

Apr 13, 2017 09:03 AM
Ambassador
1,453,069
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

A minimum of 24 hours notice is given.  I leave the house as I found it: I don't turn off lights, as I don't know the owners plans.  A card is left for the benefit of the Sellers as per local custom.  It is only a sign of being civilized, letting people know you'll be late or cancelling!

Apr 13, 2017 09:01 AM
Rainer
46,619
Karen Graves
Artistic Home Staging - Edmond, OK
Certified Home Stager/ReDesigner in the OKC area

Thank you all for your input!  Seems like the majority of you like to give 24 hour notice when you can.  I can have my house ready very quickly, but an hour or 2 notice is really appreciated.   As a seller I appreciate it when agents leave a card so I know someone came through as well.  Selling a home is stressful and sellers appreciate your thoughtfulness!  We are selling our 6th house and the process never gets much easier!  

Apr 13, 2017 06:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

Some sellers request 24 hours notice in which case, barring extreme situations, I respect that. 

I always let the seller or the agent know when I have to cancel. I know how much it stinks to be left waiting for someone who doesn't show up.

Apr 13, 2017 05:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I tell the sellers they better be ready in an hour. So when they leave in the a.m. all the other agent has to do is turn on the lights in a room.

4 hours I give when I show so that everyone feels they have enough time. 

Our area it is customary to leave a card.

Apr 13, 2017 05:49 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,431
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Agents in our area use a centralized showing service.

Apr 13, 2017 05:32 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

If possible, I like to give at least 24 hours for occupied homes.

Apr 13, 2017 05:22 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Whatever is stipulated in the MLS

Apr 13, 2017 05:04 AM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

I shoot for 24 hours, sometimes less depending

Apr 13, 2017 04:55 AM
Rainmaker
4,883,260
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Depends on the buyers schedule.

Apr 13, 2017 04:40 AM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

Usually 24 hours.  As a buyer's agent, I do expect homes to be "show ready" and typically am not able to accommodate requests for other times (that's why i asked for that time).  I leave a card if the house is lived in.  I turn off lights only if instructed to in the showing instructions.  If the showing isn't going to happen I most definitely let the other side know via the cancellation option in Showing Time.

Apr 13, 2017 04:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

Each property has different requirements regarding appointments.  Your expectations may differ from reality at various properties.  Leaving cards differs by area.  Lights may have been on intentionally for many buyers to view the property.  Advise the agent if you cannot make it.

Apr 12, 2017 05:39 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

As much notice as I have. Sometimes it is only a couple of hours and other times it may be a couple of days.

Apr 12, 2017 05:35 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,716
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I try to give 2 hours notice all the time.

Apr 16, 2017 07:02 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,565
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

It is courtesy to shut lights off, unless the instructions state leave them on.  Here in Denver the home does need to be show ready, as a flurry of activity will happen over the weekend.   If I cannot make the appointment, always call to cancel, again just courtesy.

Apr 15, 2017 04:18 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I set everything up the day before

Apr 13, 2017 05:22 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

None - whatever the instructions are in the MLS that's what I go by - I've never contacted a seller directly for a showing

Apr 13, 2017 01:03 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Depends on the instructions.  Usually I pick properties a day or two ahead of time and schedule them then.

Apr 13, 2017 10:49 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

The listing agent usually specifies that in the MLS listing, based on the wishes of the seller, not the buyers' agent. It ranges from a couple of hours to two days, from what I've seen. I call as soon as I know my buyers' schedule and try to line up as many showings as practicable or possible during that timeframe.

Apr 13, 2017 09:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

1-2 days advance notice

Apr 13, 2017 09:19 AM
Ambassador
5,049,477
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I follow the show instructions and it varie, especially if house is va

Apr 13, 2017 08:40 AM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

Usually I give 24 hour notice so no surprise there. I turn off lights unless instructed not to do so since they have multiple showings. I notify them it if I cannot make it.

Apr 13, 2017 08:35 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

You have several questions.  Some sellers keep theri house "show ready" at all times.  It is professional and courteous to turn off lights and leave cards.  I always le the agent or seller know when I don't show a property.

Apr 13, 2017 08:24 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

If I am not able to make a scheduled appointment ... I do let the seller and/or the agent know. 

I leave a card after a showing. The home is left the same as when I found it. If lights are on ... they remain on. They may be on for a reason. 

I do expect sellers are smart enough and motivated enough to have their home "show ready" at the time of the showing.  

Advance notice can be anywhere from 2 hours to 24 hours. It really depends. There is not set rule.  If sellers cannot accommodate a showing in 2 hours then we work around that ... or we just go see another property. 

Apr 13, 2017 08:17 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

It's predetermined at time of the listing. Some Sellers are ready in a moment and others need a day or more to commit. In this instance less is almost always better! I leave a card if asked to and generally leave the home as found and advise listing agent if something is awry.

Apr 13, 2017 07:21 AM
Rainmaker
5,217,123
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

As much as possible, but in some cases very short notice like I am in front of your house and wondering if....

Apr 13, 2017 06:47 AM
Rainer
67,369
Evelyn M Epperson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Johns Creek, GA
A Tradition Of [Excellence, Trust & Service]

I give a minimum of 3 hours notice to the seller but try for 12 hours most of the time.

 

Apr 13, 2017 06:02 AM
Rainmaker
1,726,096
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Usually at least 24 hours

Apr 13, 2017 05:33 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Karen,

Michael Jacobs answered it beautifully.  On the high end properties which may involve several buildings, there may be estate managers involved to open buildings.  Some homes of that size can take an hour to prepare for a proper showing.  A

Apr 13, 2017 04:57 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

As each client has different needs it will be what fits their schedule as well as the seller. Most times 24 to 48 hours.

The difficulty that arises is selling agents not returning calls!

Apr 13, 2017 04:17 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Karen Graves - I prefer at least a day before but respect what the sellers want. For a vacant home it is okay to show the home at short notice.

Apr 12, 2017 10:45 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

In our area we just go there during business hours, unless there is constraint. I just give the lockbox to the home owners if they want visitors leave them out or leave a piece of paper. Appointment only.

Apr 12, 2017 07:20 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

As a sellers agent...I am ready when the buyer and his agent are

Apr 12, 2017 05:05 PM
Rainmaker
1,045,440
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

I hate showtime and other online schedulers think they seem to be time savers but don't end up helping with results

Mar 25, 2018 05:27 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

I follow the instructions given on th epublished listing whenever possible. sometimes we have a buyer who is visiting and has just a day or two to see properties. In those cases I call/text asking if a quick showing is possible. 

Apr 15, 2017 01:30 AM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

Most instructions regarding showings are included in the remarks section on mls. Usually a day or about 4 hours notice.  I have left my card a few times. Always turn off all lights unless otherwise instructed. 

Apr 13, 2017 10:40 PM
Rainer
39,867
Elizabeth Murphree
Elizabeth Murphree @ Ikon Realty of Ashburn 5 - Fairfax, VA
Helping Baby Boomers Boom in Northern Virginia!

Sellers have to be ready. It's a big deal to get that expectation set up. My current listing would not and it hurt our listing. Disappointing to say the least.

Apr 13, 2017 08:14 PM