Congratulations, your home is officially on the market. This is the exciting stage where buyers are actively scheduling tours and first impressions truly matter. Below is everything you need to know about how showings work, how to prepare, and what to expect throughout the process.

⸻

How Showings Are Booked

• Maine Listings uses BrokerBay, a secure and streamlined showing system that allows licensed Buyer Agents to request appointments on behalf of their clients.
• When a showing request comes through (via email or text message), I highly recommend accommodating the date and time whenever possible. The more showings you allow, the more buyers we reach, and the stronger your chances are for receiving an offer.
• Showings will typically appear on your calendar with the date, time, and any specific notes.
• In most cases, appointments are requested with at least a little notice, but you may receive requests for same day or short notice showings depending on market activity.
• If your schedule is tight, let me know. We can create acceptable time windows, but flexibility almost always benefits the sale.
• You and I will manage all showing approvals. I will handle questions, and logistics so the process stays stress free for you.

⸻

How to Prepare for Each Showing

First impressions matter, and small details can have a major impact on how buyers feel when they walk through your home.

Lighting and Atmosphere

• Turn all lights on throughout the home.
• Open curtains, blinds, and shades to show off natural light during the day.
• For evening showings, make sure all exterior lights are on so buyers can easily find the entrance.
• Soft background music is a nice touch (instrumental, classical, or something calm and neutral).

Tidying and Presentation

• Clear kitchen counters and bathroom vanities.
• Put dishes away and remove pet items such as bowls, toys, beds, and litter boxes.
• Make all beds and tidy bedrooms.
• Vacuum floors, quickly mop if needed, and remove trash.
• Remove personal items from entryways and keep shoes put away.
• If weather allows, tidy outdoor areas and remove items from the yard or deck that should not be there.

Home Comfort

• Ensure the home is at a comfortable temperature for buyers.
• Avoid cooking anything with strong odors for several hours before a showing.
• Hide valuables, prescriptions, personal documents, and sensitive items.
• A clean, bright, and welcoming home always photographs better and shows even better in person.

⸻

What to Expect During Showings

• If a lockbox has been placed on your home, please be sure the key stays inside at all times.
• Buyer Agents will accompany their buyers throughout the showing. The buyer agent has secure lockbox access and will guide their clients through your home and reach out to me with any questions. Buyers and their agents typically do not want the Listing Agent (me) at the showing. They feel less intimidated when they're alone with their agent.
• I recommend leaving at least fifteen to twenty minutes before the scheduled showing time. Buyers often run early from a previous tour.
• Most showings last thirty to sixty minutes depending on the size of the home and level of interest.
• For your comfort and their privacy, please do not return until the showing is complete.
• If you have security cameras or audio devices inside, please refrain from listening to real time conversations. Buyers should feel comfortable walking through and discussing openly. If your security cameras are on and recording, I will need to inform the buyer and Buyer Agent they are being recorded, which is uncomfortable for a buyer.

⸻

After the Showing

• Buyer Agents typically provide feedback within twenty four hours after their showing. This may come as a text, call, email (to me) or through the BrokerBay system.
• If feedback is not provided, I will follow up on your behalf.
• Feedback often includes buyer interest level, comments on condition, questions about the property, or pricing perception.
• As feedback arrives, I will update you and we will review strategy as needed.
• If an offer is submitted, I will notify you immediately and guide you through every step.

⸻

We Are In This Together

Selling your home is an exciting time, and my goal is to make the process smooth, strategic, and successful. If you ever feel unsure about preparation, timing, or expectations, I am only a call or text away.

Your home is officially live. Now let us welcome the right buyer through the door.