Gaining Access: An Important Factor in Getting Your Home SOLD!

So, you’ve decided to sell your home. You’ve hired a real estate professional to help you through the entire process, and they have asked you what level of access you want to provide to your potential buyers.

There are four elements to a quality listing. At the top of the list is Access, followed by Condition, Financing, and Price. There are many levels of access that you can provide to your agent so that he or she can show your home and be as accommodating as possible.

Here are five levels of access that you can give to buyers, along with a brief description:

Lock box on the Door – this allows buyers the ability to see the home as soon as they are aware of the listing, or at their convenience - With the assistance of a Licensed Real Estate Agent.
Providing a Key to the Home – although the buyer’s agent may need to speak to the listing agent to obtain a code or directions for obtaining the key, there is little delay in being able to show the home.
Open Access with a Phone Call – the seller allows showings with just a phone call’s notice and the Listing Agent is on call to meet the potential buyers to open the door.
By Appointment Only (example: 48-Hour Notice) – Many buyers who are relocating for a new career or promotion start working in that area prior to purchasing their home. They often like to take advantage of free time during business hours (such as their lunch break) to view potential homes. Because of this, they may not be able to plan their availability far in advance or may be unable to wait 48 hours to see the house.
Limited Access (example: the home is only available on Mondays or Tuesdays at 2 pm or for only a couple of hours a day) – This is the most difficult way to be able to show your house to potential buyers.