When you’re selling your golf course home in Scottsdale, you want to do anything you can to encourage prospective buyers to stick around a little longer – and to walk away with a favorable impression of your home. But should you put out snacks during home showings? This guide explains.
Should You Put Out Snacks During Home Showings?
You should always talk to your real estate agent before you make any decisions about what to do during home showings – including whether you should put out snacks and drinks for prospective buyers. If your agent feels it’s the right move (remember, your real estate agent knows what works in your neighborhood – and what doesn’t), you may want to consider leaving out:
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Bottled water.
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Themed, prepackaged candy (such as candy that’s designed for the next holiday or that’s been packaged and stapled to a printed home description or “thank you for visiting” card).
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To-go treat bags that include pre-packaged snacks that buyers can take with them.
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Cookies that you baked immediately prior to the showing (which gives you double points, because your home will smell like freshly baked cookies).
If you do choose to leave out snacks, put a small stack of cocktail napkins nearby and ensure that there’s an empty wastebasket for people to discard their trash in.
What to Put Away During a Home Showing
Though it’s sometimes okay to leave out snacks and cool drinks, there are some things you should never leave out during a home showing. Your real estate agent will be able to give you a more in-depth list, but for starters, you should always put away:
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Even if your medications wouldn’t be worth anything to anyone, it’s never a good idea to leave them in your home when someone is taking a tour. You should bring all your medications with you when you leave.
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Don’t leave out your valuables, such as jewelry and high-end electronics, out during showings. If you have a safe (one that’s affixed to your home), you can put them in there. Otherwise, you should take them with you when you leave.
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Lock your firearms in an immobile safe or put them in cases and stash them in the trunk of your car when you leave. You should never leave your firearms in the house when you’re away for a home tour.
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Take your pets with you when you leave the house for showings! Not everyone loves animals – and some people are allergic. In addition to taking your pets with you, you should make an effort to grab all their belongings on your way out the door, too, including their food dishes, toys, and pet beds.
That’s not to say that you can’t trust the people who will come to see your home, but the reality is that you don’t know them. This is a better-safe-than-sorry situation.
Your real estate agent can give you more guidance on what to leave out, what to put away, and what to take with you – but this list is a good start.
