What to Expect When Selling Your Home: Showings, Costs, and Options

Selling your house is an exciting but complex process, and one of the most important (and sometimes challenging) parts is managing showings. Let’s break down what showings look like, why they’re necessary, and how you can navigate them with ease.

Showings by the Numbers

Looking back at pre-pandemic statistics from April to August 2019, the average home sale included 3.5 showings per week on the market, with homes typically spending 60-90 days on the market. On average, it took 24 showings from listing to closing (source).

While these numbers may seem daunting, they reflect the natural rhythm of selling a home.

Why Do So Many Showings Happen?

Not every showing results in an offer, and that’s perfectly normal. Here’s why:

1. Comparison Shopping:
   Many buyers view multiple homes to compare options in their price range.
2. Backup Offers:
   Even after accepting an offer, sellers may continue showings to secure backup offers in case the original deal falls through.
3. No-Show Buyers:
   It’s common for some buyers to cancel last-minute or fail to attend a scheduled showing. This can be frustrating but is part of the process.

Understanding these dynamics helps set realistic expectations and reduces stress during the selling journey.

Do You Need to Move Out to Sell Your House?

The short answer: No, you don’t need to move out. But you will need to leave the house during showings. There are two main approaches to handling this:

1. Move Out During the Sale

Some sellers choose to temporarily move out, either renting an Airbnb or staying with family. This allows realtors and buyers to schedule showings anytime without disrupting your daily routine.

Pros:

• Maximum convenience for scheduling showings.
• Easier to stage the home and keep it clean.

Cons:

• Additional costs for temporary housing or travel.
• Requires advance planning and coordination.

2. Stay in the Home During the Sale

Others stay in their home while it’s on the market. Sellers often ask for a specific amount of notice—commonly 24 hours—before showings so they can tidy up and leave.

Pros:

• More affordable, with no extra housing costs.
• No need to move belongings twice.

Cons:

• Requires flexibility, which can be challenging for families with small children or people working from home.
• Can feel hectic to keep the house show-ready daily.

Weighing Convenience Against Cost

Choosing between moving out or staying in your home comes down to balancing costs with convenience:

It’s important to consider your family’s lifestyle, budget, and timeline when deciding which option works best.

Tips for Managing Showings

Regardless of your approach, these tips can help make showings smoother:

1. Establish Clear Notice Requirements:
   Let your realtor know how much notice you need before showings. This is especially helpful if you’re staying in the home.
2. Keep the House Show-Ready:
   • Declutter and clean regularly to reduce last-minute stress.
   • Focus on areas buyers notice most, like kitchens, bathrooms, and curb appeal (HomeLight).
3. Create a Plan for Pets and Kids:
   Make arrangements for pets and have a go-bag ready with essentials for children to simplify leaving the house.
4. Be Flexible:
   Buyers often have limited availability to view homes, so accommodating their schedules can increase your chances of receiving offers.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home takes time, energy, and preparation. Showings are a key part of the process, and while they can feel like a lot to manage, they’re an essential step toward finding the right buyer.

Whether you decide to move out temporarily or stay in your home, there are ways to make the process smoother. Weigh the financial cost against your personal convenience, and choose the approach that best fits your needs.

At the end of the day, selling a house is a big commitment, and it’s okay to have questions or concerns. We’re here to help. Whether you want more information or just need to talk through your options, our team is ready to answer your call.