Q: We have our house for sale and want 24 hours notice before any showings so we can get the house in presentable condition.  Our agent wants us to show the house on a moment’s notice, which we think is unreasonable.  What do you think?

A: The bottom line is that in a buyers market like we’re currently experiencing, there are many more people trying to sell their homes than there are people looking to buy.  If you don’t make it as convenient as possible to show your house, there is little doubt that you will miss the opportunity to get potential purchasers inside.
 
There are some buyers who are looking at houses and making a decision which one to purchase all in the same day.  What if their agent can’t show your house because you’ve made it difficult to get access?  Also, many showings get set up when buyers see a yard sign while looking at other houses in the neighborhood.  If you ask for 24-hour notice from a buyer who is sitting right outside, there’s a good chance that person will never see the inside of your house.  These are opportunities to sell your home that you just can’t afford to miss.
 
We always encourage our sellers to keep their homes in presentable condition at all times while it is listed.  Certainly this can be inconvenient, but missing out on a potential sale because a ready, willing, and able buyer doesn’t get inside your house could be both inconvenient and expensive.  And worst of all, it is totally preventable!