As a seller, one of the most critical steps in getting your home sold is the showing. But what exactly happens during a showing? How do you know if it went well? At The Toombs Team Real Estate Group, we’ve got you covered with all the details you need to know to make the most of each showing.
Showings vs. Open Houses: What’s the Difference?
Before diving into what happens at a showing, it’s essential to differentiate between showings and open houses.
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Open Houses: An open house invites anyone to drop in and take a look at the property without an appointment while the listing agent is present.
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Showings: A showing is a private, scheduled appointment with co-op agent and qualified buyers. It’s typically more personalized, giving buyers the chance to fully explore the property and ask questions about the home.
Both showings and open houses serve the same purpose: to allow buyers to get a better look at your home. However, showings provide more in-depth, one-on-one interactions and tend to yield more serious inquiries.
What Happens at a House Showing?
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when your home is being shown and how to make the most of these opportunities:
1. Be Ready for Quick Scheduling
Once buyers express interest in your listing, they may want to see your home ASAP—especially in a competitive market. Be prepared to make the home available for showings on short notice. While you can request a few hours of lead time, being flexible with your schedule will increase your chances of getting those valuable showings in front of the right buyers.
2. Communicate Effectively with Your Agent
Set up a clear communication plan with your listing agent ahead of time. This ensures you’re kept in the loop about showing schedules, and you can stay prepared for any last-minute changes or adjustments. Whether it's through text, email, or a phone call, make sure you’re easily accessible for quick communication.
3. Should You Stay or Should You Go?
One of the most important decisions to make during showings is whether to be present in the home. Most sellers prefer to vacate during showings to allow buyers to explore the space freely. It helps buyers feel more comfortable and prevents any awkwardness during the tour.
If you’re in a busy market or have multiple showings lined up, consider planning a short getaway or staycation to keep your home in pristine condition without the stress of constant cleaning.
4. What Buyers Do During the Showing
During a buyer showing, potential buyers walk through the home—often accompanied by their real estate agent—to assess whether it meets their needs. They’ll evaluate the overall layout, room sizes, natural light, and condition of the property. Buyers often open closets, kitchen cabinets, and storage spaces to check for functionality and storage capacity.
It’s normal for them to speak openly with their agent about likes and concerns while in the space. However, they will not go through personal belongings or private items like dresser drawers or jewelry boxes.
If a buyer is interested, they might take note of renovation work, ask questions through their agent, or return for a second showing. Ensuring the home is clean, clutter-free, and smells fresh can help leave a lasting positive impression.
5. Respect for Your Space
It’s the buyer's (co-op) agent’s responsibility to ensure your home remains in the same condition it was found in. This includes turning off lights, locking doors, and making sure everything is tidy. You can help by leaving things like closet doors open and lights on prior to the showing.
What Happens After the Showing?
After the showing, it’s time to wait for feedback. If the buyer is interested, they may reach out to your listing agent to discuss next steps. If they decide not to proceed, your agent will often request feedback to understand any concerns or areas where they might be hesitating.
In some cases, you may receive feedback that’s helpful in refining your pricing strategy, home presentation, or even your listing itself.
Signs Your House Showing Went Well
So how do you know if the showing was a success? Here are the signs that your home has captured the buyer's interest:
After a scheduled showing, you may not get immediate feedback—but there are subtle clues that your home made a strong impression on the buyers. Since buyers are typically represented by a co-operating agent, that agent will ask questions and relay feedback on the buyer’s behalf. Still, your own agent can often pick up on certain signs worth paying attention to:
1. They Stayed for Most (or All) of the Scheduled Time
If the buyers were booked for 60 minutes and stayed for 45–60 minutes, that’s a great sign. It usually means they walked through the home more than once and took time to discuss how they’d use the space. Serious buyers often linger—they don’t rush.
2. Their Agent Asks a Lot of Questions
Even though buyers won’t reach out directly, their agent may ask your agent detailed questions about renovations, utility costs, appliance ages, or flexibility on closing dates. The more specific the questions, the more serious the interest.
3. Focus on Key Living Areas
If the showing feedback mentions that buyers spent extra time in spaces like the kitchen, primary suite, or backyard, it’s because they’re picturing themselves there. Time spent in high-impact areas often reflects emotional investment.
4. Talk of Personal Use or Furniture Placement
When buyers start saying things like “We could put the dining table here” or “This would be perfect for our dog,” they’re no longer just viewing—they’re visualizing. Your agent might hear this from the co-op agent post-showing.
5. They Ask to Come Back
Requesting a second showing (depending on the market) is a strong indicator of genuine interest. Whether they bring family, a contractor, or just want another walk-through, repeat visits mean your home is being seriously considered.
6. Fast Agent Follow-Up
If your agent hears from the buyer’s agent within hours of the showing—especially asking about other offers, your flexibility, or offer deadlines—it often means an offer may be coming soon.
Maximizing Your Showings with The Toombs Team
Showings are a pivotal part of the home-selling process, and with the right approach and presentation, they can lead to faster offers and higher sale prices. At The Toombs Team Real Estate Group, we’re committed to ensuring that every aspect of your home’s sale is optimized to give you the best possible results.
From preparing your home for showings to following up with potential buyers, we’re here to guide you through each step. Contact us today, and let’s work together to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar.
📍 425 Davis Drive, Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P1
📞 905-252-TEAM (8326)
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