As a very experienced real estate agent and someone who has been a buyer and seller on multiple personal transactions as well I can tell you I do not want the seller or the listing agent in the home I am showing. If either one is in the home I do my best to get out of there as fast as I can before one of them screws up the deal. I know how to show a home. I do it all day long every day. I know how to show it to my buyers. I know what is important to them. I know what to point out. If we have any questions I will contact the listing agent as soon as we leave the home (sometimes I call the agent to ask them a question while I’m in the home). You decrease your odds of my buyers buying your home if we are not there alone. This is also why I never take clients to open homes. 

Sellers Please Leave Your Home During Showings
Sellers Please Leave Your Home During Showings

As a home seller, you may feel like the best person to showcase your property. After all, you know it inside and out, and can point out all the unique features that make it special. However, being present during showings can actually do more harm than good. Here are three reasons why sellers should avoid being present during showings:

  1. The seller’s presence will make buyers feel awkward.

When potential buyers come to view your home, they want to be able to explore and get a sense of the space without feeling like they’re being watched. Having the seller hovering around can make buyers feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. They may rush through the showing, or not take the time to really examine the property. This can lead to them missing important details or features that could sway their decision.

  1. Sellers tend to talk too much – less is usually more.

Even with the best intentions, sellers can sometimes talk too much during showings. They may point out every little detail, share personal stories, or try to “sell” the property in a way that comes off as pushy or insincere. This can actually turn off potential buyers, who may feel like the seller is trying too hard to make a sale. It’s important to let the property speak for itself and allow buyers to form their own opinions.

  1. Sellers can get hurt feelings, which can cost them money.

One of the biggest risks of being present during showings is that sellers may take things personally if buyers don’t seem interested or offer negative feedback. They may feel hurt or offended, and this can cloud their judgment when it comes to negotiating a sale. For example, a seller may refuse to accept an offer that they feel is too low, even if it’s a fair market value. This can lead to the property sitting on the market longer than necessary, which can cost the seller both time and money.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting for sellers to be present during showings, it’s generally not a good idea. Buyers need to feel as comfortable as possible when looking at a potential new home, and the seller’s presence can make that difficult. Additionally, sellers may unintentionally do more harm than good by talking too much or taking things personally. By giving buyers space and allowing them to form their own opinions, sellers can increase their chances of a successful sale.